Wherever you live, you deserve to feel safe.
You also deserve to be respected, protected, and free to live without fear.
Sanctuary cities can help provide some of the security you’re looking for–especially if your current immigration status is uncertain.
In this brief article, we will explain how sanctuary cities operate, highlight where they can be found in the United States, and provide key considerations as you prepare to move.
Note: Even if you choose to settle outside a sanctuary jurisdiction, it’s important to know your rights and understand every viable option available to you and your family.
Sanctuary Cities: Explained
What is a sanctuary city?
Let’s start with the first word in question: “sanctuary,” which gained its meaning from the medieval church.
Built on the Latin root sanctus (i.e., “holy”), sanctuary initially referred to an ecclesiastical place of refuge that protected people from arrest.
That definition has since been expanded. In America, the first official sanctuary city was Berkeley, California, which provided a safe haven for conscientious objectors during the Vietnam War.
Today, sanctuary cities are metropolitan areas that limit their cooperation with federal agencies–namely U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
However, because each jurisdiction follows unique protocols, there is no universally agreed-upon definition for “sanctuary city.”
Why? Because the word “sanctuary” has no legal meaning, despite its extensive history.
Nevertheless, most sanctuary cities do share similar practices, including:
- Never ask about your immigration status.
- Never disclose your immigration status to authorities.
- Never deny you access to local services based on your immigration status.
These protections can provide tremendous peace of mind to recent immigrants.
In non-sanctuary cities, for example, ICE can ask local authorities to detain non-citizens for an additional 48 hours beyond the original release date. This gives the agency a lengthier window to consider further legal action and even potential deportation.
Important: While sanctuary cities help reduce the risk of deportation, they cannot eliminate it entirely. Though sanctuary cities avoid honoring requests of the federal government, agencies like ICE are still authorized to conduct operations within a sanctuary city. Therefore, any sanctuary city cannot guarantee protection from arrest, detainment, or deportation.
Sanctuary Cities Across the United States
The national conversation around sanctuary cities is constantly changing.
For example, there were just seven sanctuary states in 2019. As of early 2024, there are twelve.
Plus, some states (like Minnesota) are currently debating legislation to join the list.
Sanctuary states in the U.S. currently include:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
Within each of these states, there are myriad sanctuary jurisdictions.
In fact, recent reports estimate that there are well over 600 municipalities enforcing noncompliance with ICE and other federal agencies.
While a growing number of regions are protecting immigrants, others are taking an opposing stance. In fact, some states have passed legislation to ban sanctuary cities entirely, including Texas, Florida, Alabama, and most recently, North Dakota.
Even in sanctuary city strongholds like San Francisco, the current legislation remains in flux. Similarly, Chicago and New York City have considered revising their policies in recent months.
Though it’s unlikely these urban areas will deny asylum seekers, these recent shifts highlight the unpredictable nature of a city’s sanctuary status.
As you investigate your options, be sure to follow the latest news and legislation. What’s true today may change tomorrow–especially given the relentless politicization of U.S. immigration policies.
Free Resource: Here is a complete list of the largest sanctuary cities (and counties).
What to Consider When Moving
Sanctuary cities can offer tremendous confidence to immigrant residents.
Above all, they can help protect them against punitive federal immigration laws. Thanks to this high-level defense, sanctuary cities foster healthy relationships between local law enforcement and recent immigrants.
While these advantages are invaluable, there are several other important aspects to consider before deciding where to live.
In fact, there are five primary categories well worth your attention:
1. Employment Opportunities
“Build your business before you build your house.”
Though it was written thousands of years ago, the old proverb holds true. Prior to moving into a new city, do your due diligence and ensure the local job market is filled with opportunities – ideally within your area of expertise.
Even if you’re enjoying the flexibility of a remote job, it’s still important to know that there are new jobs available should you need them.
Life changes in a hurry, and backup plans are essential.
2. Cost of Living
Debating between two different cities? Compare the cost of living to help make your decision.
After all, what costs $3 in one state might cost $5 in another. For example, the cost of gas in Los Angeles is often 40% higher than the national average.
Over time, these seemingly small differences can add up.
Resource: To compare the cost of living between two cities, use this free calculator.
3. Safety and Crime Rates
While employment is important, safety is paramount.
Before you move, be sure to research your city’s crime rates, laws, and public safety measures.
To the extent that you can, try to look past sensationalized headlines and look at the actual statistics near your future home. These can be easily found with a quick Google search.
Ultimately, though no place is immune from crime, finding a safe community will do wonders for your peace of mind.
Resource: Want to read an in-depth crime report for your future city? Use NeighborhoodScout to dig into the details.
4. Education Systems
Maybe you have children–or maybe you’re planning to earn a second degree.
In either case, the quality of your local schools and institutions is vital. This includes public schools, charter schools, private schools, community colleges, trade schools, universities, and other education providers.
While advanced degrees will require more granular research, you can use this free tool to identify the best K-12 schools in your area.
Resource: For a robust overview of “the best places to live,” check out Niche–which ranks areas according to schools, safety, cost of living, and more.
5. Healthcare Access
One more thing: be sure to investigate local healthcare facilities on your shortlist of cities.
Find the nearest hospital, explore reputable primary care physicians, and if you have children, make sure quality pediatric care is also within reach.
Finally, if your parents (or grandparents) will be joining you, make sure there are respected programs and senior housing options available to you – should you and your family ever require them.
uLink: A Lifeline for Your Loved Ones
Ultimately, choosing where to live requires a blend of both the tangible and intangible.
Yes, you need to secure your employment opportunities and choose a safe community. You must also ensure the nearby schools and hospitals maintain the highest operational standards.
However, there are other qualities–including the landscape, weather, and yes, the “vibe”–that transcend standard checklists.
Nevertheless, these often indescribable features must also be considered, whether it’s the skyline of a city, the local restaurant scene, or the sunset of a coastal town.
Once you’re truly confident in the essentials, you can embrace the ineffable and move into your new home with a full head of steam.
Of course, the journey isn’t always so simple. There’s often an emotional cost as well.
At times like these, you might feel a bit of cognitive dissonance–as if you have two homes:
one in the U.S., and the other where you grew up, and where your friends and family still live.
Sometimes, it can feel impossible to bridge the divide.
That’s why we’re here.
At uLink, we’re dedicated to connecting you with your loved ones back home.
Plus, with our state-of-the-art mobile app, you can send money home in a fast, affordable, and secure manner.
So even when you’re miles from home, you’re only moments away with uLink.
