Ways for Temple Students to Support Sanctuary Cities

By Ashley Paskill on September 8, 2017

Sanctuary cities have been a hot topic under the current political administration. Philadelphia is a city full of diverse neighborhoods that have immigrants from all over the world. Temple University’s main campus is located in Philadelphia, which is located in a sanctuary city.

At least one college campus in Philly is a sanctuary city for immigrant and refugee students. However, United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions unleashed restrictions that stop crime-related funding for sanctuary cities. In response, the city of Philadelphia filed a lawsuit against Sessions, saying that Philadelphia is not doing anything wrong and that Sessions cannot use police funds to implement immigration policies.

Contact those in power to express your support for immigrants.

Those within the United States have the power to contact their government representatives to express their concerns and joys with how things are going. Send emails to your members of Congress to tell them to resist the funding restrictions and to support sanctuary cities such as Philadelphia and others across the country. Write to lawmakers in Philadelphia, thanking them for filing the lawsuit against Sessions’ funding restrictions.

Support organizations that support immigrants.

Get involved with campus organizations and events that show your support. Volunteer your free time to help immigrants and refugees. Donate time, money, or supplies to help organizations that are working to aid immigrants and refugees. As a college student, your resources may be limited and you may feel like the little you do have to offer will not help, but every little bit can make a huge difference. Immigrants and refugees appreciate the fact that people care and support them.

Support businesses that are owned by immigrants.

As mentioned before, there are several immigrant communities that are made up of immigrants. Many of the businesses in these areas are owned and operated by immigrants. Seek out these businesses and make it a point to support them by making purchases there. Get to know the stories of the people who work there and be loving and kind in your interactions. Going the extra mile out of your way to show you care will remind the city of how much immigrants do, even though Philadelphia knows this.

Show student organizations geared towards immigrants and refugees that immigrant students are safe on campus.

Temple is home to various campus organizations geared for immigrants and refugees from around the world. Reach out to the presidents of the organizations to see if the group needs anything and to just show your support in general. Get a group of friends and classmates together to make cards for each organization, sending messages of support and welcome for these students. If you are an officer of an organization, reach out to immigrant and refugee organizations to collaborate on events and special meetings.

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