Pennsylvania City Welcomes Immigrants Amidst Growing National Tensions Over 'Sanctuary' Policies

Pennsylvania City Welcomes Immigrants Growing National Tensions 'Sanctuary' Policies

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Mar 19, 11:05 am

Lancaster, Pennsylvania officials lately define a city policy that has been in effect since 2019, limiting collaboration with federal immigration authorities.

Ordinance Prohibits Inquiries About Immigration Status

The all-Democratic City Council passed an ordinance unanimously last month, which bars local police and city officials from probing about immigration status unless mandated by state or federal law, court order, or appropriate to a criminal investigation.

Additionally, they are forbidden from sharing data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that could lead to civil or non-criminal immigration enforcement actions. These policies, commonly referred to as "sanctuary" policies, have been combative nationally, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.

Despite arguments, city leaders affirm that these measures desire to continue Lancaster's status as a welcoming city, where immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees can access services and report crimes without worry.

Immigrant rights advocates, upholding the Trust Act, contend that it promotes a sense of security for all residents to cooperate in society without worry and to report crimes and make use of health and social services disregarding their immigration status.

CASA, a leading immigrant advocacy group in the state, has ardently defended the law, affirming the relevance of safety and refuge for all individuals.

Councilwoman Janet Diaz informed NBC News that she acknowledges concerns surrounding the bill and has received emails advocating for its repeal.

However, Diaz highlighted that she voted in favor of the bill to safeguard the rights of noncitizens and assure their comfort in reporting instances of harm, such as workplace injuries, sexual assault, or domestic violence.

Lancaster has an important Hispanic population, with 40% identifying as such, and generallyly 11% lacking proficiency in English. Additionally, about 13% of the city's total population is foreign-born, with 96% of students in the Lancaster school district reporting Spanish as their primary language.

Officials Uphold Dedication to Safeguarding the Rights of Non-Citizens

Although the ordinance has faced criticism from Republican senators and county officials, as well as disappointment from ICE, Lancaster officials maintain their commitment to protecting the rights of non-citizens and ensuring their comfort in seeking help if they experience harm.

Lancaster, with a significant Hispanic population and a considerable foreign-born community, identifies as a "welcoming" city rather than a "sanctuary" one, aligning with the principles of the Welcoming America network. This network, spearheaded by a nonpartisan organization based in Atlanta, promotes immigrant inclusion across various sectors.

Republican state Senators Scott Martin, Ryan Aument, and Chris Gebhard issued a joint statement denouncing the council's decision as "appalling," particularly given recent revelations about the immigration status of a suspect in a homicide case in Athens, Georgia.

However, data from major city police departments across the country indicates no evidence of a migrant-driven crime wave. The National Institute of Justice at the Department of Justice has also stated that the latest study recommends immigrants, whether legal or illegal, are not more likely, and may even be less probable, to commit crime in the United States. Nonetheless, immigration remains a combative issue across the nation, reigniting debates over "sanctuary" policies.

Fidel Gil Cedeno, a longtime Lancaster resident and community leader, understands the challenges faced by immigrants in seeking assistance due to concerns about their status.

Through his advocacy work with CASA, Cedeno has witnessed numerous instances where immigrants felt unable to access necessary resources or ask for help due to fear. He empathizes with their reluctance and remains committed to supporting immigrant communities in Lancaster.