Migration, United States Sanctuary Cities Explained

Our new report, 'Sanctuary Cities Explained', explains the controversial national debate around sanctuary cities. 

In an age of contested border policies, rising nationalism, and a global pandemic, sanctuary cities - cities that limit their cooperation with federal authorities to protect some immigrants from deportation - are a major issue in the United States.

In recent weeks, they've made headlines once again, as the Trump administration threatens to withhold COVID-19 federal assistance for state and local governments unless they change sanctuary city policies. 

But how exactly do we define a sanctuary city, and what common policies and practices do they share? How did they become so controversial, and where does the debate stand now? Find out in our latest explainer.

Click here to read the report.