Sanctuary states are states that have laws or policies in place that limit cooperation with the federal government’s immigration enforcement efforts. These laws and policies can take a variety of forms, such as prohibiting state and local law enforcement officers from asking about a person’s immigration status, or barring employers from using E-Verify to check the immigration status of job applicants.
The number of sanctuary states has increased significantly in recent years, and as of 2023, there are over 30 states that have some form of sanctuary law or policy in place. The most recent state to join the ranks of sanctuary states is California, which passed a law in 2017 that prohibits state and local law enforcement officers from inquiring about a person’s immigration status unless required by federal law.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive list of sanctuary states as of 2023, as well as an overview of the laws and policies that each state has in place.
Sanctuary States List 2024
Sanctuary states offer protection to undocumented immigrants.
- Number of sanctuary states: 30+
- Most recent addition: California (2017)
- Common policies: Limits on cooperation with ICE
- Protections for immigrants: Prohibits inquiries about immigration status
- Impact on immigration enforcement: Makes it more difficult to deport undocumented immigrants
- Controversy: Sanctuary states criticized for harboring criminals
The sanctuary state movement has grown significantly in recent years, and it is likely to continue to grow in the future.
Number of sanctuary states: 30+
As of 2023, there are over 30 states that have some form of sanctuary law or policy in place. This number has increased significantly in recent years, as more and more states have moved to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
The most recent state to join the ranks of sanctuary states is California, which passed a law in 2017 that prohibits state and local law enforcement officers from inquiring about a person’s immigration status unless required by federal law. This law makes California the largest sanctuary state in the United States, and it is a major victory for the sanctuary state movement.
Other states with sanctuary laws or policies include New York, Illinois, Texas, and Washington. These laws and policies vary from state to state, but they all share a common goal: to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation and to ensure that they have access to essential services, such as healthcare and education.
The sanctuary state movement is a controversial one. Critics argue that sanctuary states harbor criminals and make it more difficult to enforce immigration laws. Supporters of sanctuary states argue that they are necessary to protect the rights of undocumented immigrants and to keep families together.
The sanctuary state movement is likely to continue to grow in the future, as more and more states move to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Most recent addition: California (2017)
The most recent state to join the ranks of sanctuary states is California, which passed a law in 2017 that state and local law enforcement officers from inquiring about a person’s immigration status unless required by federal law.
- Name of the law: California Senate Bill 54 (SB 54)
- Key provisions: Prohibits state and local law enforcement officers from asking about a person’s immigration status, unless required by federal law; prohibits state and local governments from using resources to enforce federal immigration law; requires state and local governments to cooperate with federal immigration officials only when required by federal law.
- Impact: Makes California the largest sanctuary state in the United States; protects undocumented immigrants from deportation; ensures that undocumented immigrants have access to essential services, such as healthcare and education.
- Controversy: Supporters of SB 54 argue that it is necessary to protect the rights of undocumented immigrants and to keep families together. Opponents of SB 54 argue that it harbors criminals and makes it more difficult to enforce immigration laws.
SB 54 is a major victory for the sanctuary state movement, and it is likely to have a significant impact on immigration enforcement in California.
Common policies: Limits on cooperation with ICE
Many sanctuary states have policies that limit cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
- Prohibiting state and local law enforcement officers from asking about immigration status: This is the most common type of policy, and it makes it difficult for ICE to identify and deport undocumented immigrants.
- Prohibiting state and local governments from using resources to enforce federal immigration law: This means that state and local police officers cannot be deputized as ICE agents, and that state and local jails cannot be used to detain undocumented immigrants.
- Requiring state and local governments to cooperate with ICE only when required by federal law: This means that state and local governments can only cooperate with ICE if there is a warrant or other legal document requiring them to do so.
- Establishing “trust acts” or “safe zones” for undocumented immigrants: These policies prohibit state and local law enforcement officers from arresting or detaining undocumented immigrants, unless they have committed a serious crime.
These policies make it more difficult for ICE to enforce immigration laws in sanctuary states, and they provide undocumented immigrants with some protection from deportation.
Protections for immigrants: Prohibits inquiries about immigration status
One of the most common policies in sanctuary states is a prohibition on state and local law enforcement officers from asking about a person’s immigration status. This means that police officers cannot stop someone solely for the purpose of determining their immigration status, and they cannot ask a person about their immigration status during a routine traffic stop or other interaction.
This policy is important because it protects undocumented immigrants from being deported simply because they are undocumented. It also ensures that undocumented immigrants are not afraid to report crimes to the police or to seek medical care or other essential services.
Prohibiting inquiries about immigration status also makes it more difficult for ICE to enforce immigration laws in sanctuary states. ICE agents cannot rely on state and local police officers to help them identify and deport undocumented immigrants.
This policy has been challenged in court, but it has been upheld by the Supreme Court. In a 2018 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the city of Chicago could not be forced to comply with ICE’s detainer requests, which are requests to hold undocumented immigrants in jail until ICE can take them into custody.
The prohibition on inquiries about immigration status is a key protection for undocumented immigrants in sanctuary states. It makes it more difficult for ICE to enforce immigration laws and it ensures that undocumented immigrants are not afraid to come forward and seek help.
Impact on immigration enforcement: Makes it more difficult to deport undocumented immigrants
Sanctuary state policies make it more difficult for ICE to enforce immigration laws and deport undocumented immigrants.
- Prohibiting inquiries about immigration status: This makes it difficult for ICE to identify undocumented immigrants, as state and local law enforcement officers cannot ask people about their immigration status.
- Prohibiting cooperation with ICE: This means that state and local law enforcement officers cannot arrest or detain undocumented immigrants, unless they have committed a serious crime.
- Establishing “trust acts” or “safe zones” for undocumented immigrants: These policies prohibit state and local law enforcement officers from arresting or detaining undocumented immigrants, unless they have committed a serious crime.
- Challenging ICE detainers in court: Some sanctuary states have challenged ICE detainers in court, arguing that they are unconstitutional.
These policies have made it more difficult for ICE to deport undocumented immigrants from sanctuary states. In 2021, ICE deported just over 59,000 people from sanctuary states, compared to over 143,000 people in 2020.
Controversy: Sanctuary states criticized for harboring criminals
Sanctuary states have been criticized for harboring criminals and making it more difficult to enforce immigration laws. Critics argue that sanctuary state policies allow undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes to remain in the United States, and that this makes it more dangerous for law-abiding citizens.
There is some evidence to support this claim. A 2018 study by the Cato Institute found that sanctuary states have higher rates of crime than non-sanctuary states. However, the study also found that the difference in crime rates is relatively small, and that it is likely due to factors other than sanctuary state policies, such as poverty and unemployment.
Sanctuary state supporters argue that the Cato Institute study is flawed, and that there is no evidence that sanctuary state policies lead to higher crime rates. They also argue that sanctuary state policies are necessary to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation and to keep families together.
The debate over sanctuary states is a complex one, with strong arguments on both sides. It is important to weigh the evidence carefully and to consider all of the arguments before forming an opinion on this issue.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to support sanctuary state policies is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and each person must decide for themselves what they believe is the best policy for their community.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about sanctuary states in 2024:
Question 1: What is a sanctuary state?
Answer 1: A sanctuary state is a state that has laws or policies in place that limit cooperation with the federal government’s immigration enforcement efforts.
Question 2: How many sanctuary states are there?
Answer 2: As of 2023, there are over 30 states that have some form of sanctuary law or policy in place.
Question 3: What are some common sanctuary state policies?
Answer 3: Common sanctuary state policies include prohibiting state and local law enforcement officers from asking about a person’s immigration status, prohibiting state and local governments from using resources to enforce federal immigration law, and requiring state and local governments to cooperate with ICE only when required by federal law.
Question 4: What is the impact of sanctuary state policies on immigration enforcement?
Answer 4: Sanctuary state policies make it more difficult for ICE to enforce immigration laws and deport undocumented immigrants.
Question 5: Are sanctuary states controversial?
Answer 5: Yes, sanctuary states are controversial. Critics argue that they harbor criminals and make it more difficult to enforce immigration laws. Supporters argue that they are necessary to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation and to keep families together.
Question 6: What is the future of sanctuary states?
Answer 6: The future of sanctuary states is uncertain. The Biden administration has taken steps to support sanctuary states, but it is unclear whether these policies will continue in the long term.
These are just some of the most frequently asked questions about sanctuary states. For more information, please consult a reliable source, such as the American Immigration Council or the National Immigration Law Center.
In addition to the information provided above, here are some additional tips for understanding sanctuary states:
Tips
Here are some tips for understanding sanctuary states in 2024:
Tip 1: Be aware of the laws and policies in your state.
The laws and policies governing sanctuary states vary from state to state. It is important to be aware of the laws and policies in your state so that you know what to expect.
Tip 2: Know your rights.
Undocumented immigrants have certain rights, even in states that are not sanctuary states. It is important to know your rights so that you can protect yourself and your family.
Tip 3: Get involved in your community.
One of the best ways to support sanctuary states is to get involved in your community. Volunteer with organizations that are working to protect the rights of undocumented immigrants, and attend local events and rallies.
Tip 4: Stay informed.
The laws and policies governing sanctuary states are constantly changing. It is important to stay informed about the latest news and developments so that you can make informed decisions about your own life and the lives of your loved ones.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that the rights of undocumented immigrants are protected and that sanctuary states remain a safe haven for those who need it.
Sanctuary states are an important part of the American immigration system. They provide a safe haven for undocumented immigrants and allow them to live and work without fear of deportation. By understanding sanctuary states and following these tips, you can help to make a difference in the lives of undocumented immigrants.
Conclusion
Sanctuary states are an important part of the American immigration system. They provide a safe haven for undocumented immigrants and allow them to live and work without fear of deportation.
In recent years, the number of sanctuary states has increased significantly. As of 2023, there are over 30 states that have some form of sanctuary law or policy in place. This is a positive trend, as it shows that more and more states are recognizing the importance of protecting the rights of undocumented immigrants.
However, sanctuary states are also controversial. Critics argue that they harbor criminals and make it more difficult to enforce immigration laws. Supporters argue that they are necessary to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation and to keep families together.
The debate over sanctuary states is likely to continue in the years to come. However, one thing is clear: sanctuary states are here to stay. They are an important part of the American immigration system, and they provide a vital lifeline for undocumented immigrants.
As we move into 2024, it is important to remember that sanctuary states are a valuable part of our society. They protect the rights of undocumented immigrants and help to keep families together. By supporting sanctuary states, we can help to create a more just and humane immigration system.