SANCTUARY CITIES

Copyright 2017 by Lori-Ann Willey

SANCTUARY CITIES - I think it is great that there are cities where both undocumented and documented can live together in a new country. A place where there are more of those who share the same culture while adapting to the new cultures of the American ways. I get all that. 

The problem with so many Sanctuary Cities is that instead of upholding the rights of the documented AND and naturalized citizens alike, when an undocumented commits a crime, they don't report them, but instead, let them go back onto the streets where so many of them commit more crimes. Some, get mixed up in bad ways while trying to adjust to a new "free" life in the United States. I get that, too. It is not easy, but committing a crime doesn't make it any easier on them ...unless they live in a Sanctuary City. 

Sanctuary Cities, for the most part, do not abide by the laws of the land, yet they so freely take money from the government they choose to defy. They consider themselves above the law. It is one thing to support the undocumented, and it is quite another to harbor those who are criminals. Creating a safe haven for criminals is not only immoral but illegal.  If I harbored a fugitive in my home, then I am guilty of committing a crime. Sanctuary Cities, by harboring criminals, they are also committing a crime. It is no different. 

A crime is a crime NO MATTER the gender or ethnicity. WHY are some people exempt from crimes and others not? How is that not preferential treatment? How is that fair "justice' when some are held responsible for their crimes and others not? How is that not intentional separation of one over another? A crime is a crime. It should NOT matter the color of their skin, their religion, or origin, here, there, or anywhere. 

Have Sanctuary Cities where people can come and feel welcomed, safe, and still be able to continue their cultural ways while adapting to a new life. I see nothing wrong with that. The bottom line is the intentional harboring of criminals is wrong, no matter whom they are or from where they come. 

Holding Sanctuary Cities to the law IS justice FOR ALL not just "justice" for the criminals. Sigh. Since when did following the law become such an immoral act in itself? 

NOTE - The law has not changed with the new President. It is the same law ...it is simply being moreso enforced. Nothing more.