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10 key moments in the city’s sanctuary movement

Chicago Tribune sent this email to their subscribers on June 1, 2023.

The Vintage Tribune newsletter is a deep dive into the Chicago Tribune's archives featuring photos and stories about the people, places and events that shape the city's past, present and future.

Chicaao Cribune

June 1, 2023

chicagotribune.com

Vintage Chicago Tribune

Immigrants have left their imprint on Chicago since Jean Baptiste Point DuSable became the area’s first nonnative settler in 1779.
Yet it’s only in the past roughly 40 years that undocumented migrants — some of whom escaped war, gang violence and failing economies and governments in their native counties — have found protection from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) here.
Mayor Harold Washington signed an executive order in 1985 providing equal access to city services for all people, regardless of immigration status. The order also halted the city’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities and prevented its police from detaining people solely on the belief that they are in the U.S. illegally.
“The city government has and will work closely with those agencies to endure that the public good is protected pursuant to law,” Washington said on March 7, 1985. “We draw the line, however, in the actions of any agency that impinges on people’s fundamental human rights.”
Despite opposition, city leaders have continued to affirm Washington’s position. Chicago’s sanctuary city status, however, often makes it a target.
Chicago is a frequent drop-off destination for buses, chartered by Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, containing migrants. People seeking asylum have overwhelmed the city’s social services and are living at police stations while awaiting placement at shelters. Yesterday, Chicago aldermen voted to spend $51 million on migrant care this month, but the decision sparked a spirited debate among aldermen whose neighborhoods have been hurt by decades of disinvestment.
As the city continues to grapple with this humanitarian crisis, here’s a look back at the leaders and laws that have shaped Chicago’s involvement with the sanctuary movement.

How you can support this newsletter

Become a Tribune subscriber: it’s just $12 for a 1-year digital subscription. Follow us on Instagram: @vintagetribune. And, catch me Monday mornings on WLS-AM’s “The Steve Cochran Show” for a look at “This week in Chicago history.”

Thanks for reading!

— Kori Rumore, visual reporter

1

July 18, 1982: Church becomes first in Chicago to take in refugees

The Wellington Avenue Church congregation votes to join the sanctuary movement — becoming just the second church in the U.S. to harbor refugees who entered the country illegally. Read more here.

2

November 1982: Group becomes U.S. leader in sanctuary movement

Recognized for its work in organizing and transporting refugees from El Salvador to a network of welcoming churches around the U.S., the Chicago Religious Task Force on Central America becomes the national clearinghouse for the sanctuary movement. Read more here.

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3

March 7, 1985: Mayor encourages ‘equal access by all persons’ to city services, licenses

Mayor Harold Washington signs an executive order ending the city’s practice of asking job and license applicants about their U.S. citizenship and halting cooperation by city agencies with federal immigration authorities. Read more here.

4

April 30, 1987: Feds offer immigrants ways to gain legal status

Less than 1 1/2 years after overseeing raids on taxi drivers in the U.S. illegally, Chicago’s Immigration and Naturalization Service Director A.D. Moyer details plans to open four centers to help immigrants with paperwork to become legal U.S. residents. The effort is part of the Immigration Reform and Control Act, a law passed by Congress and signed by President Ronald Reagan to offer a path to legal residence for people in the U.S. illegally since Jan. 1, 1982. Read more here.

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5

April 25, 1989: Daley adopts Washington’s sanctuary stance

Shortly after taking office, Daley signs 13 executive orders including one that reaffirms “fair and equal access” to employment, benefits and licenses to all — regardless of nationality or citizenship. Read more here.

6

Aug. 15, 2006: Woman seeks church refuge to avoid deportation, reviving sanctuary movement

Elvira Arellano and her U.S.-born son take refuge inside Adalberto United Methodist Church in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. Read more here.

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7

Sept. 12, 2012: ‘Welcoming City’ ordinance passes

Building on an existing ordinance that prohibits agencies from inquiring about the immigration status of people seeking city services, this ordinance also prevents local police from detaining people solely on the belief that they are in the U.S. illegally, and cooperating with federal agents when they suspect status is the only reason the warrant has been issued. Read more here.

8

Jan. 27, 2017: Chicago advocates condemn Trump’s immigration ban

An executive order issued by President Donald Trump banning immigration from seven majority-Muslim countries sets off a tumultuous day at O’Hare as frantic relatives, hundreds of protesters and volunteer lawyers gather at the airport.

Before a federal judge in New York ruled to block the U.S. from sending people out of the country under Trump’s order, a few of those being held at O’Hare had already been released after hours of questioning. Read more here.

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9

April 30, 2020: Judges rule in favor of Chicago in sanctuary city fight with Justice Department

Trump’s Justice Department can’t withhold federal grants from sanctuary cities such as Chicago that extend protections to undocumented immigrants, a federal appeals court ruled.

The battle started in 2017, when Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the federal government would require sanctuary cities that want federal public safety funding to give notice when immigrants in the country illegally are about to be released from custody and allow immigration agents access to local jails. Read more here.

10

May 9, 2023: Mayor Lightfoot declares state of emergency: ‘We’ve reached a breaking point’

The executive order is in response to the thousands of migrants settling in the city, often under harsh living conditions, after crossing the U.S.’ southern border to seek asylum.

It came nine months after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, began shepherding recent refugees from Central and South America onto one-way bus rides to Chicago, arguing that liberal “sanctuary cities” should readily take on more of the burden stemming from the border crisis. Read more here.

Join our Chicagoland history Facebook group and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past.

Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at [email protected] and [email protected].


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Chicaao Cribune June 1, 2023 chicagotribune.com Vintage Chicago Tribune Immigrants have left their imprint on Chicago since Jean Baptiste Point DuSable became the area’s first nonnative settler in 1779. Yet it’s only in the past roughly 40 years that undocumented migrants — some of whom escaped war, gang violence and failing economies and governments in their native counties — have found protection from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) here. Mayor Harold Washington signed an executive order in 1985 providing equal access to city services for all people, regardless of immigration status. The order also halted the city’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities and prevented its police from detaining people solely on the belief that they are in the U.S. illegally. [ Timeline: Chicago’s more than 40-year history as a sanctuary city ] “The city government has and will work closely with those agencies to endure that the public good is protected pursuant to law,” Washington said on March 7, 1985. “We draw the line, however, in the actions of any agency that impinges on people’s fundamental human rights.” Despite opposition, city leaders have continued to affirm Washington’s position. Chicago’s sanctuary city status, however, often makes it a target. Chicago is a frequent drop-off destination for buses, chartered by Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, containing migrants. People seeking asylum have overwhelmed the city’s social services and are living at police stations while awaiting placement at shelters. Yesterday, Chicago aldermen voted to spend $51 million on migrant care this month, but the decision sparked a spirited debate among aldermen whose neighborhoods have been hurt by decades of disinvestment. As the city continues to grapple with this humanitarian crisis, here’s a look back at the leaders and laws that have shaped Chicago’s involvement with the sanctuary movement. HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THIS NEWSLETTER Become a Tribune subscriber: it’s just $12 for a 1-year digital subscription. Follow us on Instagram: @vintagetribune. And, catch me Monday mornings on WLS-AM’s “The Steve Cochran Show” for a look at “This week in Chicago history.” Thanks for reading! — Kori Rumore, visual reporter 1 JULY 18, 1982: CHURCH BECOMES FIRST IN CHICAGO TO TAKE IN REFUGEES THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 1985 The Wellington Avenue Church congregation votes to join the sanctuary movement — becoming just the second church in the U.S. to harbor refugees who entered the country illegally. Read more here. * Tales of the Mariel Boatlift, when thousands of Cubans landed in the United States * From May 6, 1986: Sanctuary drive picks up steam in Chicago 2 NOVEMBER 1982: GROUP BECOMES U.S. LEADER IN SANCTUARY MOVEMENT MONDAY, MAY 30, 1983 Recognized for its work in organizing and transporting refugees from El Salvador to a network of welcoming churches around the U.S., the Chicago Religious Task Force on Central America becomes the national clearinghouse for the sanctuary movement. Read more here. #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand.* Learn More NUTRAFOL ADVERTISEMENT 3 MARCH 7, 1985: MAYOR ENCOURAGES ‘EQUAL ACCESS BY ALL PERSONS’ TO CITY SERVICES, LICENSES FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985 Mayor Harold Washington signs an executive order ending the city’s practice of asking job and license applicants about their U.S. citizenship and halting cooperation by city agencies with federal immigration authorities. Read more here. 4 APRIL 30, 1987: FEDS OFFER IMMIGRANTS WAYS TO GAIN LEGAL STATUS FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987 Less than 1 1/2 years after overseeing raids on taxi drivers in the U.S. illegally, Chicago’s Immigration and Naturalization Service Director A.D. Moyer details plans to open four centers to help immigrants with paperwork to become legal U.S. residents. The effort is part of the Immigration Reform and Control Act, a law passed by Congress and signed by President Ronald Reagan to offer a path to legal residence for people in the U.S. illegally since Jan. 1, 1982. Read more here. Infinity Waterproof Eyellner P g e e Ultra longlasting and 100% Vegen thrive ADVERTISEMENT 5 APRIL 25, 1989: DALEY ADOPTS WASHINGTON’S SANCTUARY STANCE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 1989 Shortly after taking office, Daley signs 13 executive orders including one that reaffirms “fair and equal access” to employment, benefits and licenses to all — regardless of nationality or citizenship. Read more here. 6 AUG. 15, 2006: WOMAN SEEKS CHURCH REFUGE TO AVOID DEPORTATION, REVIVING SANCTUARY MOVEMENT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2006 Elvira Arellano and her U.S.-born son take refuge inside Adalberto United Methodist Church in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. Read more here. wy W Here's Why The Wealthy Don't Have 401k Accounts ADVERTISEMENT 7 SEPT. 12, 2012: ‘WELCOMING CITY’ ORDINANCE PASSES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 Building on an existing ordinance that prohibits agencies from inquiring about the immigration status of people seeking city services, this ordinance also prevents local police from detaining people solely on the belief that they are in the U.S. illegally, and cooperating with federal agents when they suspect status is the only reason the warrant has been issued. Read more here. 8 JAN. 27, 2017: CHICAGO ADVOCATES CONDEMN TRUMP’S IMMIGRATION BAN SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2017 An executive order issued by President Donald Trump banning immigration from seven majority-Muslim countries sets off a tumultuous day at O’Hare as frantic relatives, hundreds of protesters and volunteer lawyers gather at the airport. Before a federal judge in New York ruled to block the U.S. from sending people out of the country under Trump’s order, a few of those being held at O’Hare had already been released after hours of questioning. Read more here. * Photo gallery: Protesters rally against immigration ban at O’Hare Airport * Jan. 31, 2017: Up to 50 held at O’Hare on Monday for Trump immigration ban NTRAFL @ NUTRAFOL #1dermatologist- recommended hair growth supplement. Shop Now ADVERTISEMENT 9 APRIL 30, 2020: JUDGES RULE IN FAVOR OF CHICAGO IN SANCTUARY CITY FIGHT WITH JUSTICE DEPARTMENT THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 Trump’s Justice Department can’t withhold federal grants from sanctuary cities such as Chicago that extend protections to undocumented immigrants, a federal appeals court ruled. The battle started in 2017, when Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the federal government would require sanctuary cities that want federal public safety funding to give notice when immigrants in the country illegally are about to be released from custody and allow immigration agents access to local jails. Read more here. * 10 MAY 9, 2023: MAYOR LIGHTFOOT DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY: ‘WE’VE REACHED A BREAKING POINT’ WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023 The executive order is in response to the thousands of migrants settling in the city, often under harsh living conditions, after crossing the U.S.’ southern border to seek asylum. It came nine months after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, began shepherding recent refugees from Central and South America onto one-way bus rides to Chicago, arguing that liberal “sanctuary cities” should readily take on more of the burden stemming from the border crisis. Read more here. * Photo gallery: Migrants come to Chicago * Faces of volunteers: They provide more than donations and shelter to migrants in Chicago. They give love. * City Council approves $51 million for migrants as officials scramble for more funds, point fingers * Migrant crisis puts more pressure on Chicago finances as state budget offers less than sought * As migrants move into shelters, surrounding communities respond: ‘They have value’ * Alderman moves dozens of migrants into temporary shelter in Pilsen * Migrants moved to Park District field houses, as South Shore residents criticize city for shelter plans * Migrants, advocates rally on May Day as Lightfoot, Pritzker blast Texas governor for plan to bus migrants to Chicago * Tenfold surge in migrants arriving in Chicago fuels crisis, aldermen told, as families sleep in police stations: ‘This is unacceptable’ Join our Chicagoland history Facebook group and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at [email protected] and [email protected]. NUTRAFOL See fuller, stronger hair in 3-6 months. Shop Now advertisement   |   Newsletters   |     |   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 2023 | Chicago Tribune | 560 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60654 | (312) 546-7900 ABOUT THIS EMAIL You received this email because you are following the Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter.
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