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Trump Says He Plans To Send Immigrants To Sanctuary Cities — Here's How To Support Them
Once again, President Trump promised late Saturday to send immigrants to sanctuary cities. For the immigrants, that might not be bad news — the Associated Press reported it might make it easier for people to stay in the country — but it could be a strain on local organizations who are trying to help recent arrivals. Here's how you can support sanctuary cities that Trump is targeting.
These jurisdictions have laws that prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in their attempts to find and deport people living in the country without a legal status. "We’re sending many of them to sanctuary cities," Trump said at a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin. "Thank you very much. They're not too happy about it. I’m proud to tell you that was actually my sick idea."
Earlier in April, President Trump said he was thinking about the policy in a pair of tweets. There has been no official announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or ICE, though. Bustle reached out to DHS and ICE for comment.
Trump said the move was coming as retaliation for Democrats. He said the sanctuary city plan was being considered "due to the fact that Democrats are unwilling to change our very dangerous immigration laws."
The move likely won't hurt Democrats, but it could be bad for immigrants if the cities see their resources stretched. With your support, the immigrants are far more likely to benefit from the move — as the AP reported.
1) Buy From The San Diego Rapid Response Network Wish List
There's a shelter in San Diego that has been helping migrants left by U.S. officials in the city find shelter for months. The entire state of California is a sanctuary jurisdiction — as Trump regularly tweets. The shelter has put together a wish list so you can buy items that immigrants need. Or you can give a cash donation, too.
2) Support International Rescue Committee In LA
International Rescue Committee in Los Angeles helps refugees and asylum seekers when they arrive by providing them a home or help with rent, food, health care, English classes and more. Consider giving a donation.
3) Help Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Bring More Immigrants To Chicago
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has been helping immigrants who arrive to the city even before Trump threatened to send them there through their Chicago Immigrant Transportation Assistance program. They've given the immigrants help accessing winter clothes, food, and translation services. You can donate, or even volunteer.
4) Support Immigrants, Asylum Seekers, & Refugees Through SF-CAIRS
San Francisco Coalition of Asylee, Immigrant, and Refugee Services (SF-CAIRS) offers just about every kind of help one could imagine for immigrants in San Francisco County. Everything from healthcare, to employment services, to legal assistance. They connect immigrants with a multitude of services and have a whole page on how you can help.
5) New York City Provides Services Directly To Immigrant Families
New York City's Department of Youth & Community Development provides services to immigrant families through the city. Beyond paying taxes in New York City, there are more ways you can help like donating to funds that provide legal services.
6) Donate Your Airline Miles
One possible aspect of Trump's plan is that it could send immigrants to parts of the country far from their families. Lawyer Moms of America started a travel bank that collects frequent flyers to coordinate travel for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers that are released from immigration detention far from their loved ones. Donate yours and keep connecting families.
There's still no word on whether this sanctuary city plan will actually happen. But, with your assistance, these areas of the country can handle the influx of new arrivals. Consider supporting these initiatives and more near you.
