San Francisco Sanctuary City resolution approved

From the Office of Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval

July 18, 2006

San Francisco - While the immigration debate continues heating up nationwide, undocumented immigrants who live, work or visit San Francisco are protected under Sanctuary policies and supported by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

On Tuesday, July 18, the Board unanonymously approved a resolution opposing a bill recently approved by the House of Representatives that would eliminate federal funding for sanctuary cities. The U.S. Senate is still considering the bill.

"This resolution is about human rights and about standing up for undocumented immigrants," said Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval, who authored the resolution. "Historically, undocumented immigrants have been the victims of politics during election years. They have been targeted by people who claim they are doing 'the right thing' but lack compassion and understanding of the root causes of immigration."

Supervisor Sandoval's resolution urges Mayor Gavin Newsom to speak out against Congress' attempts to blame immigrants for the terrorist threat and to withhold over $27 million in funding to San Francisco. "Mayor Newsom's silence on the issue stands in stark contrast to New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg's promise to give Congress one heck of a fight," added Supervisor Sandoval. In January of this year, the Board of Supervisors unanimously re-confirmed the City's support for the City of Refuge Ordinance, originally approved in 1989. Among other clauses, the ordinance prohibits city employees and the use of City funds to deny social services for undocumented immigrants, or to refer individuals to immigration authorities.

"We have a long history as a compassionate and welcoming city, and in supporting this resolution we are continuing that legacy today," said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin.

"I am a proud co-sponsor of this resolution. There is a moral imperative that often is overlooked by those xenophobes who want to continue punishing immigrants and their families," said Supervisor Tom Ammiano.

"Bush, Cheney and Rove have destroyed our economy and made us the most hated country in the world. Now they seek to divide us one against the other," said Supervisor Jake McGoldrick, also co-sponsor.

After today's approval by the Board of Supervisors, this resolution goes to Mayor Gavin Newsom's desk.

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