Despite the Trump administration’s focused efforts on immigration enforcement, some American cities have done their best to implement immigration-friendly policies and programs, as well as limit cooperation between local authorities and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. In response to these initiatives, TransferWise and the New York Immigration Coalition analyzed the 50 most populated cities in the U.S. based on nine criteria to rate the top ten American cities for immigrants . Three cities in the state of California made the top ten list: Los Angeles in 9th place, San Jose in 4th place, and San Francisco in 1st place. The survey noted Los Angeles’ minimum wage of $12 per hour, which is much higher than America’s median minimum wage of $8.15 per hour, as well as its universal preschool system. Although drawbacks include a high cost of living and a deficient mass transit system, immigrants still favor Los Angeles. San Jose, however, received a high rating due to its extensive, well-funded programs for immigrants, regardless of their immigration status. For instance, Santa Clara County, whose undocumented immigrant population tops 180,000, recently pledged $1.5 million toward legal assistance for immigrants in deportation proceedings who have no serious or violent criminal background. San Jose city officials also launched a media campaign to assist immigrants with education on their rights and making safety plans in case of deportation. With the highest ranking on the list, San Francisco scored high in eight of the nine criteria, falling short only on the average cost of living, which is 62.6% higher than the national average. San Francisco has a strong municipal ID program, an Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs, and aggressive sanctuary city policies designed to protect immigrants. San Francisco also has an affordable public transit system and a high graduation rate. Given the current focus of the federal government on immigration enforcement, there may come a time in the near future when you and your family need help with various legal matters, including representation in deportation proceedings. The deportation defense lawyers of Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., pride themselves on aggressively representing the interests of those immigrants who are facing potential deportation by American immigration authorities. Our goal is to gather evidence in your favor, build a strong case on your behalf, and develop a strategy that is best designed to help you remain in the United States and move on with your life. The earlier we can get started with your case, the more likely you are to prevail in your deportation proceedings. Don’t hesitate to contact us today and learn what we can do to assist you.
