Health & Fitness
If you aren't a criminal, Welcome to Chicago!
Yesterday's announcement of Mayor Emanuel's new ordinance hopes to improve public safety and makes Chicago a better home for immigrants.
Yesterday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a new city ordinance that takes another step toward making Chicago America's most "welcoming city." The ordinance bans police from detaining an undocumented immigrant unless he or she is wanted on a criminal warrant or are convicted of a serious crime. For undocumented immigrants throughout the city, the ordinance brings a sigh of relief. Other Chicago residents look for the ordinance to increase public safety.
The ordinance was announced in Little Village with the hopes that the announcement would directly impact the relationship between law enforcement and residents of the neighborhood. Giving police information on a crime that occurred in your neighborhood, seems like a logical process. However, talking to officers can be dangerous if you fear the same officers will place you or your family members in deportation. The goal is for the ordinance to assuage the fear of deportation and open a new line of communication.
While public safety is the number one priority of the ordinance, Emanuel has spoken louder than that to the immigrants of the United States. Illinois is not Arizona. If you aren't a criminal, "Welcome to Chicago!"
