I oppose sanctuary cities. The Constitution still protects them
Let’s start with the Constitution’s Naturalization Clause (Art. I, Sec. 8, Cl. 4), which provides Congress with the “power … To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization … throughout the United States.” Likewise, the Supreme Court has long recognized Congress’s plenary authority over immigration.
TL;DR
- Congress has the constitutional power to establish uniform rules for naturalization.
- The Supreme Court acknowledges Congress's plenary authority over immigration.
- Federal laws define who is admitted, excluded, and deportable.
- Federal laws also place obligations on private actors, like employers.
- State and local authorities previously cooperated with federal officials on immigration enforcement.
- This cooperation included providing intelligence and honoring detainers for individuals suspected of illegal presence.