On Tuesday, Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel proposed a new ordinance that would block undocumented immigrants in his city from being detained, unless they're wanted on a criminal warrant or have been convicted of a major crime.
The move is congruent with Emanuel's assertions that one of his main goals is to make Chicago the most immigrant-friendly city in the world.
The mayor's proposed "Welcoming City" ordinance has been called merely "symbolic" by the Chicago Tribune because it enacts a policy that is already in place - police officers will continue the practice of not questioning law-abiding citizens about their immigration status. Yet, symbolic or not, groups lobbying for the ordinance and immigrant advocacy in general, applauded the proposal. Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights issued a statement that Emanuel "took a major step in making Chicago more welcoming for immigrants."
"Chicago depends on the vibrancy and economic stability that the immigrant community brings to the city," said ICIRR CEO Lawrence Benito. "Making sure that our city's law enforcement resources are focused on serious crimes that harm immigrants and natives alike, and that immigrants and their families are not subjected to racial profiling, will strengthen the relationship between Chicago Police and immigrant communities and make our entire city safer."
The proposal was generally well received by Chicago residents too. Cook County Board president Toni Preckwinkle announced her support for the law, saying it "furthers our community's decision to be a fair and equal county for immigrants, and underscores the message that we will not target the undocumented who are here to work hard and obey our laws."
Pro-immigrant policies have gained momentum in recent months. In June, President Obama signed a historic executive order halting the deportation of eligible young immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally.
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