Chula Vista on Tuesday became the latest city to join the “Welcoming America” network, passing a resolution that some might consider a “sanctuary city” declaration.
Councilwoman Patricia “Pat” Aguilar said in a statement: “Last night the Chula Vista City Council voted unanimously in support of a resolution: a) Affirming Police Department Policy 428, which provides that the Department shall not enforce federal immigration laws; b) Directing the Chief of Police to develop and implement a program to communicate that policy to Chula Vista’s immigrant community; and c) Joining the “Welcoming America” network.
“I am proud of my city and this City Council,” said the second-term councilwoman.
The resolution notes that recent federal actions have “raised questions and fears within the Chula Vista community regarding the city’s policies on immigration enforcement and immigration status.”
In joining the Welcoming America network, the city aims to show it values its immigrant and refugee residents and “help them to become a vital part of our economic and civic society,” the resolution says.
Chula Vista is the first city in San Diego County to join the network of 100 municipalities nationwide, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Santa Clara County in this state.
Other major cities include New York, Chicago, Baltimore and St. Louis.
A national observation called Welcoming Week is set for Sept. 15 – Sept. 24, 2017.
