Note: please note that this issue overview should (a) contain links to additional information on this topic that is focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (b) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

Goal Statement   one sentence that further defines the topic 

Policy Options / Model Programs   specific policies or program models, grouped by type, that are profiled 

•          Chicago City Ordinance on Immigration 

 The purpose of this ordinance is to establish a healthy relationship between the much valued immigrant community and the chicago law enforcement and local government, and to establish procedures concerning immigration status and enforcement of federal immigration laws within the city.¹³ 

•       Borough of Heightstown Sanctuary Resolution (adopted March 7th 2005)

 The Mayor and City Council of the Borough of Heightstown strongly encourage the ICE not to engage in conduct that creates mistrust of the local  police  and organizations in the community. The Mayor and Council pledge to dedicate themselves to restoring faith in local government and and enforcement so that anyone in the community can confidently contact the police  without fear of  immigration consequences. The Mayor and Council strongly  encourage the president to pass immigration legislation  that is just, and gives undocumented immigrants  opportunities for  legalization. A copy of this resolution was sent to  the president.¹⁴

• California Trust Act

   A bill that would prevent local law enforcement agencies from honoring all requests to detain  immigrants on the federal government’s behalf. This most recent version of the bill would now mostly spare immigrants with clean or semi-clean records. Deportation holds would not be allowed for immigrants with straight misdemeanor convictions, nor for those with prior deportation orders. This bill is now headed to the California senate floor for the third time. ¹⁵

• The Governor of Maine instituted an Executive Order entitled "An Order Concerning Access to State Services By All Entitled Maine Residents," in 2004.  The Order limits state employee ability to report the presence of illegal aliens, which some people claim has resulted in many illegal aliens migrating to Maine seeking public benefits and valid Maine drivers licenses (which can be used to drive in other states). 
• The Republican controlled Utah Legislature passed controversial bills in May 2011, which allow illegal aliens to live and work in Utah.  Police will also refrain from inquiring about anyone's legal status unless they are stopped or arrested for serious misdemeanors or felonies.
• In 2008, Gavin Newsome, who served as mayor of San Francisco at the time, publicized the city's sanctuary status in a  press release for San Francisco's Sanctuary City Outreach Program.  Newsome later backtracked somewhat after news organizations began exposing how the city's sanctuary policy had protected illegal alien gang members that were committing serious crimes in San Francisco and elsewhere.  In 2009, Newsome attempted to veto an ordinance passed by San Francisco's even more radical Board of Supervisors which prohibited illegal aliens charged with crimes from being detained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  Newsome now serves as California's Lt. Governor.
• Resolution of the City of Northampton MA on the Secure Communities Program and Preservation of Our Civil Rights: The City of Northampton and its officials and employees, to the extent permissible by law, shall not participate in federal law enforcement programs relating to immigration enforcement, including but not limited to Secure Communities and cooperative agreements with the federal government under which city personnel participate in the enforcement of immigration laws, such as those authorized by Section  287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Should the Commonwealth of Massachusetts enter into an agreement or a Memorandum of Agreement regarding Secure Communities, the City of Northampton shall opt-out if legally and practically permissible. Municipal employees of Northampton, including law enforcement employees, shall not monitor stop, detain, question, interrogate, or search a person for the purpose of determining an individuals immigration status. Officers shall not inquire about the immigration status of any crime victim, witness, or suspect unless such information is directly relevant to the investigation, nor shall they refer such information to federal immigration enforcement authorities unless the information developed is directly relevant. The use of a criminal investigation or arrest shall not be used as a bias to ascertain information about an individuals immigration status unless directly relevant to the offenses charged. ^[1]

Local/State/National Information    additional information on this topic at the local, state, national, global level

• Immigrant Protection - USA

Glossary of Terms   key words or phrases that the layperson needs to know to understand this issue 

Bibliography