San Francisco county supervisor introduces legislation making it more difficult to turn over undocumented juvenilles to immgration officials
On August 18, 2009, San Francisco county supervisor, David Campos, introduced legislation, "Confidentiality of juveniles' immigration status," which would permit San Francisco authorities to turn over youths to the Department of Homeland Security only if the youths are convicted of a felony. This is a change in the current law which requires the immigration authorities to be contacted when a youth is arrested for a felony.
Supporters of the proposed legislation like it because they view the current law as drastic. Currently If the Department of Homeland Security is alerted to all felony arrests and finds someone here illegally, they will take action to remove that person from the United States. Under the proposed law, fewer youths are likely to be turned over to the Department of Homeland Security because there will not be as many youths convicted of a felony.
Opponents of the proposed legislation state that it conflicts with federal law and that it would open up the City of San Francisco to legal challenges if it passes.
You may read more about the law in the San Francisco Chronicle article, "New Sanctuary Proposal protecting youths."
