By State Representative-Elect Allen Skillicorn -
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago’s aldermen announced Sunday the city’s plan to continue ignoring federal Immigration law. In 2012, the city of Chicago passed an ordinance instructing law enforcement and city agencies to ignore immigration status of illegal immigrants. If an illegal immigrant without any documentation interacts with Chicago Police or social agencies, for example, being pulled over for speeding or applying for welfare, the employee is prevented from reporting the person to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The common term for a city with this policy is "sanctuary city."
President-Elect Trump has promised to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities when sworn in. Currently, Chicago receives $1.33 Billion in federal tax money. Conservative estimates claim millions of dollars and services are provided to illegal immigrants, who cannot be legally employed and do not pay traditional income taxes.
“I want to assure all of our families that Chicago is and will remain a sanctuary city,” Emanuel said in a statement. “Chicago has been a city of immigrants since it was founded. We have always welcomed people of all faiths and backgrounds, and while the administration will change, our values and our commitment to inclusion will not.”
Will Mayor Rahm Emanuel continue flaunting the law? Will President-elect Trump give in?
The next few months will be exciting to watch.
Allen Skillicorn will be sworn in to represent Illinois' 66th House District in January 2017.
