George Bush once said, “America is the land of the second chance – and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.” The United States of America has always been a nation of immigrants. It has also been the land of opportunities and second chances. Immigrants from all over the world have come to America to escape persecution, famine, and war in their home countries. People come here to have a better life and to make something of themselves. Achieving citizenship in America can be an arduous and lengthy process, which is not feasible for some to complete as many are searching for immediate sanctuary. As a result, many enter this country illegally. These illegal immigrants usually move to cities known as “sanctuary” cities. Sanctuary cities are cities, counties, and states that do not cooperate with the national government’s effort to enforce immigration laws. These places are safe havens for refugees who cannot escape danger quickly and enter this country by any other means. 

In the United States there are 10 states that consider themselves sanctuary states. 27 states have counties or cities that act as sanctuary cities as well. Sanctuary cities are vital because they are places where immigrant families can settle and restart their lives. However, recently a court ruled that the Trump administration can withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities. This decision will ultimately destroy sanctuary cities, separating families and punishing people who have committed no crimes, and have lived in the United States their whole lives, just undocumented. The attorney general of New Jersey, Gurbir S. Grewal, spoke out against the decision. Grewal said, “It’s unfortunate that the federal government has decided to weaponize the federal grant funding process in order to carry out the president’s anti-immigrant agenda.”

The unfortunate reality for many illegal immigrants is that many come to this country illegally when they are children. They do not have any say in this matter and they live their lives in the United States like ordinary citizens. These families take refuge in sanctuary cities and they are safe there. With no more sanctuary cities these families are at risk of being deported and arrested. Even years after entering the country, when the children are all grown up and have their own families, them and their own families are still at risk, even though they didn’t do anything wrong and have contributed to our society for years. According to Brookings.edu, in 2017 out of the 10.5 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S, around two-thirds have been living in the U.S. for 10 years or longer. 10 years of working hard to provide a new life for their families; it will all be wasted by the passing of this bill. 

Sanctuary cities are beneficial to the United States and help to portray the country as one to be admired. Our Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal. Sanctuary cities express this idea that every person should be equal and have equal opportunities. With the decision to not give these cities federal funding, what message are we showing to the rest of the world? That the United States of America is not welcoming and does not stand by their founding principles.