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Immigration

‘Sanctuary Cities’ Law In Texas: How Things Look A Year Later

Governor Abbott signed the law last year saying it would make the state safer

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On the last day of the 85th Legislative session, protesters opposed to Senate Bill 4 — the “sanctuary cities” bill fill up the rotunda of the state Capitol in Austin on May 29, 2017.

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Monday, May 7, 2018 marks one year since Governor Greg Abbott signed a ban on “sanctuary cities” into law. It requires local officials to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

In March, U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld most of the legislation, after it was challenged for being unconstitutional.

A year after SB-4 was signed, activists are calling on local officials in Texas to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities to the bare minimum.

Abbott signed the law last year saying it would make the state safer.

“Legal immigration is different than harboring people with dangerous crimes," Abbott said.

But, the legislation still continues to drum up controversy- one year later.

Last month, an anti-SB4 caravan traveled to Texas border cities and Houston to inform immigrants of their rights under the "show me your papers" law.

A second caravan traveling throughout the state is slated for this summer.

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