Dear friend of IDP,
Sanctuary laws are a lifeline for immigrant communities—and they make us all safer. Yet, New York City Mayor Eric Adams continues to question their value, spreading misinformation and fueling division.
The Immigrant Defense Project (IDP) was instrumental in developing New York City’s sanctuary laws, and we’re still fighting to uphold these vital protections. When political leaders undermine sanctuary, it’s our job to set the record straight.
Sanctuary laws protect everyone. Here’s why they matter:
Sanctuary laws make our communities safer. When immigrants can seek help without fear, it benefits all of us—whether it’s reporting unsafe housing, accessing healthcare, or visiting loved ones in jail.
Sanctuary laws resist systemic racism. Sanctuary policies disrupt the racialized targeting of Black and Brown communities for double punishment by interrupting the criminalization to deportation pipeline.
Sanctuary laws reflect our values. These laws ensure our public resources serve our communities, not deportation systems rooted in cruelty.
Sanctuary laws strengthen our community. Freeing our resources for investment in education, housing, and health care for everyone—including immigrants—builds stronger, safer neighborhoods.
But sanctuary laws are under attack like never before. Politicians eager to divide communities use fear mongering to justify rolling back these protections. It’s a dangerous distraction from the real issues: the lack of affordable housing, economic inequality, and underinvestment in communities of color.
Over the next few days, we’ll share how IDP is leading the fight for sanctuary policies and how you can take action to defend these critical laws. Together, we can build a future where every person—regardless of immigration status—can live with dignity and safety.
In solidarity,
Marie Mark, Executive Director
Immigrant Defense Project
