SAN FRANCISCO LEADERS SHIELD UNDOCUMENTED ALIENTS USING CITY SERVICES FROM FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES (San Francisco Sentinel)

SAN FRANCISCO LEADERS SHIELD UNDOCUMENTED ALIENTS USING CITY SERVICES FROM FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES
2 April 2008

Today, joined by community groups, faith leaders, and City department heads, Mayor Gavin Newsom and Supervisor Tom Ammiano launched a public awareness campaign to promote San Francisco’s “sanctuary” policy for undocumented residents, and assure all residents that accessing city services does not make an individual vulnerable to federal immigration authorities.
“The City’s public awareness campaign is a reminder that City employees will not report individuals or their immigration status to federal immigration agents,” said Mayor Newsom.
“San Francisco residents should feel safe when they visit a public health clinic, enroll their children in school, report a crime to the Police Department or seek out other City services.”
The awareness campaign will consist of advertisements of the city sanctuary city policy, complete with multilanguage brochures and radio and TV public service announcements.
In 1989, San Francisco passed the “City of Refuge” Ordinance (Sanctuary Ordinance) which prohibits City employees from helping Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with immigration investigations or arrests unless such help is required by federal or state law or a warrant.
The Ordinance is rooted in the Sanctuary Movement of the 1980’s, when churches across the country provided refuge to Central Americans fleeing civil wars in their countries.
In February 2007, Mayor Newsom reaffirmed San Francisco’s commitment to immigrant communities by issuing an Executive Order that called on City departments to develop protocol and training on the Sanctuary Ordinance.
The Sanctuary Ordinance helps to maintain the stability of San Francisco communities. It keeps communities safe by making sure all residents feel comfortable calling the Police and Fire Departments during emergencies.
It keeps families and workforce healthy by providing safe access to schools, clinics and other City services.
“As a Sanctuary City, San Francisco has and will continue to provide compassionate services to all immigrants, regardless of status,” said Supervisor Ammiano. “When certain people are targeted and denied access to vital social services, the health and safety of the entire city is compromised.”
Campaign funding totals $83,000 and is supported by the Department of Public Health and Human Services Agency.
Materials will be available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian.