Historical Context of Oregon’s Sanctuary Policy

Oregon’s journey toward becoming a sanctuary state traces back to 1987, when the state legislature passed HB 2314, introduced by then-Representative Rocky Barilla. This landmark legislation was a response to a series of immigration raids conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), which has since evolved into the current USCIS under the Department of Homeland Security and ICE.

The enactment of this law made Oregon the first state in the U.S. to adopt sanctuary policies, fundamentally transforming how state and local resources could be used concerning immigration enforcement.

Goals of the Sanctuary Promise Community Toolkit

Attorney General Rosenblum expressed her commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all residents in Oregon. In her statement, she emphasized, “Every person has the right to live, work, play, and learn safely in Oregon, period.” The new toolkit is designed to refresh knowledge about the existing laws and provide practical information to residents.

Rosenblum acknowledged the significance of Oregon’s sanctuary law, underscoring how it prohibits state and local law enforcement from using their resources to detain individuals solely for being undocumented immigrants. This has become crucial as polarization surrounding immigration policies intensifies on a national level.

Toolkit Features and Resources

The Sanctuary Promise Community Toolkit includes various resources, such as documentation related to the passage of the 1987 law. It also features personal accounts and insights from key figures involved in the law’s introduction. This multifaceted approach is intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of residents’ rights and responsibilities.

Among the toolkit’s practical components are FAQs addressing common concerns, including:

• How to prepare oneself and family for encounters with ICE or federal immigration authorities.
• Where to report ICE activities in local communities.
• What essential information to document after an encounter with federal authorities.

Additionally, the toolkit provides access to a statewide hotline for reporting violations of the sanctuary law, which ensures that Oregonians have channels to voice their concerns and seek assistance.

Encouraging Community Discussions

Rosenblum has encouraged residents to take advantage of this toolkit by discussing their rights and experiences with friends and family. She stressed the importance of being informed in advance, stating, “Knowing your rights in advance is essential.”

This call to action highlights the need for proactive engagement within communities, ensuring that residents are equipped to handle potential encounters with immigration enforcement effectively. The toolkit encourages families to create a plan for what to do if immigration officials come to their home or workplace.

Political Landscape and Future Implications

The announcement comes amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions surrounding immigration policies nationwide. While Oregon’s sanctuary laws were once a unifying issue that garnered nearly unanimous support from lawmakers in 1987, they have now become a topic of intense debate across the political spectrum.

As different states grapple with immigration enforcement and community safety, Oregon’s unique position may serve as a model for how states can interact with federal immigration policies. However, the escalating polarization raises questions about the longevity of such policies and their implementation in a changing political climate.