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What is the current status of sanctuary cities in the United States under the Biden administration? Are there any potential changes in the works?

Natalya Lathaye

Well, buckle up, my fellow social media friend, because we're about to dive into the exciting world of sanctuary cities in the United States under the Biden administration!

First things first, let's get on the same page about what a sanctuary city actually is. Essentially, it's a city that limits its cooperation with federal immigration authorities in order to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation. These policies vary from city to city, but typically involve things like not allowing local law enforcement to ask people their immigration status or refusing to honor certain Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers.

Now, back to the current status of sanctuary cities under the Biden administration. President Biden has been a strong supporter of these policies and has even proposed creating a path to citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States. As such, he has taken steps to reverse some of the more aggressive immigration policies put in place by the previous administration.

One of the most notable changes so far has been the suspension of the previous administration's attempt to exclude undocumented immigrants from the population count used to determine congressional seats. This move was widely criticized as an attack on both undocumented immigrants and democratic representation, and its suspension was a welcome relief for proponents of sanctuary cities.

Additionally, President Biden has ended the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which forced asylum seekers to wait in dangerous and overcrowded camps on the Mexican side of the border. This policy was particularly harmful for undocumented immigrants who were already living in the United States and trying to navigate the asylum process.

So, are there any potential changes in the works? Well, it's early days yet, but there are certainly some promising signs. President Biden has already created a task force to reunite families that were separated at the border, and he has also promised to restore the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA allows undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children to receive renewable two-year protections from deportation and to apply for work permits.

Of course, there are still plenty of challenges ahead. The United States is facing an ongoing immigration crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made things more difficult. But for now, supporters of sanctuary cities can rest a little easier knowing that their policies have the backing of the White House.

In conclusion, the current status of sanctuary cities in the United States under the Biden administration is one of cautious optimism. While there are undoubtedly challenges ahead, President Biden has already taken steps to reverse some of the more harmful immigration policies put in place by the previous administration. It remains to be seen what the future holds, but for now, let's raise a virtual glass to progress and hope. Cheers!