SAN FRANCISCO—President Obama announced an executive action to offer relief to undocumented immigrants on Thursday, November 20. The city of San Francisco is directly impacted by the action that will affect nearly 12,000 undocumented people.
On November 18, SF Mayor Edward M. Lee held a meeting in his office to discuss how to prepare for federal immigration reform.
Lee met with public and private agencies to discuss his plan to implement the federal reform, which could change a number of immigration issues, including deportation, family-based immigration, and immigration enforcement. Mayor Lee issued the following statement on November 20 in response to President Obama’s executive order.
“Tonight, President Obama is moving our Nation forward and changing the lives of families all across America. This Immigration Executive Action will help keep families together and bring them out of the shadows.
As the son of immigrant parents, this issue is personal to me. The well-being and success of all families, regardless of immigration status remains our highest priority. As a Sanctuary City, we are committed to providing equal and inclusive services to all residents, regardless of immigration status. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s good for our City. More than 35 percent of San Francisco business are immigrant-owned and over a third of our population speaks another language. Our diversity drives our innovative economy and makes us stronger.”
Mayor Lee is expected to issue an Executive Directive to ensure that the City of SF complies with the new Federal rules to ensure undocumented individuals living in San Francisco can be the among the first to benefit from federal and state programs.
The City is already planning to help with outreach and education to ensure people understand the process and their rights. The City will continue to work with a broad network of community-based organizations, philanthropic foundations, labor, education and City partners to assist residents towards a path to citizenship.
By Joseph Wilhelm and LaDale Anderson
