The Orlando Sentinel reports that activists who were part of the Trust Orlando Coalition (TOC) protested in the chambers of the Orlando Commissioner’s City Council wearing red “Unite Here!” t-shirts, toting a snare drum, and chanting protest songs. The TOC is pushing for Orlando to pass the Trust Act, whose purpose is to limit cooperation between Orlando’s law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The setup is similar to how sanctuary cities work. City officials, however, say that local police are not involved in immigration enforcement whatsoever giving the undocumented community nothing to fear.
Sanctuary Policies
This year, the Florida legislature is set to once again consider a ban on sanctuary policies. The ban would fine governments up to $5,000.00 per day and elected officials who refuse to comply can be removed from office. While there are few local governments in Florida that have sanctuary policies, many local governments across the nation do have these in place. Sanctuary policies prevent local law enforcement from holding people in custody based on their immigration status. It also prohibits local police from volunteering information to federal immigration agents.
The proposed Trust Act in Orlando would prevent local law enforcement from being able to ask suspects about their immigration status, except when the question is required by law, and also prohibit police from holding suspects for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or handing suspects held in custody over to federal agents without the issuance of a valid warrant.
While Orlando leaders noted that they would support a resolution affirming the council’s support for the city’s already-existing bias-free policy barring discrimination based on immigration status, protesters sought an ordinance.
Other sanctuary cities have taken different approaches. Chicago and San Francisco passed ordinances. West Palm Beach adopted a resolution. New Orleans adopted an administrative policy. Late last year, by way of a preliminary order, a judge blocked the Department of Justice from withholding funding from Philadelphia over its policies. Rulings similar to that one had previously occurred in Chicago and San Francisco.
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Types of Immigration Issues
There are several types of immigration issues that you or someone you care about may encounter during his or her lifetime. Below are some general explanations of the most common types of immigration needs:
- Visa: In its most general term, a visa is a ticket to enter into the United States. There are two types of visas – immigrant and non-immigrant. Non-immigrant visas are for those who want to enter the U.S. and stay for a specified time and for a particular purpose. Immigrant visas are for those who want to legally stay and reside in the U.S. permanently;
- Permanent residence: Typically referred to as a green card, this happens as a result of a change in immigration status when the individual is legally given authority to remain in the country. Legal permanent residence may be approved based on various reasons;
- Naturalization: Those who meet specific qualifications may petition to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, which requires completing an application, taking an examination, undergoing a background check, and swearing one’s loyalty to the U.S. under oath;
- Deportation: This entails someone being placed under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Court for removal or deportation from the U.S.
Sanctuary policies prevent local law enforcement from holding people in custody based on their immigration status. It also prohibits local police from volunteering information to federal immigration agents.
Immigration Help in Florida
Immigration law is complicated and is becoming more of a hot button issue in politics as time goes by. If you have any questions about current immigration law, including any recent changes at the federal or state level, contact our Florida immigration attorneys today. Schedule your immigration consultation today!
NOTICE: The article above is not intended to serve as legal advice, and you should not rely on it as such. It is offered only as general information. You should consult with a duly licensed attorney regarding your Florida legal matter, as every situation is unique. Please know that merely reading this article, subscribing to this blog, or otherwise contacting Bogin, Munns & Munns does not establish an attorney-client relationship with our firm. Should you seek legal representation from Bogin, Munns & Munns, any such representation must first be agreed to by the firm and confirmed in a written agreement.
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