S.F. Declared a ‘Safety Zone’ for Immigrants

As state and federal governments move to cut benefits to some immigrants, San Francisco is bucking the trend by declaring the city a “safety zone” for all immigrants, including those here illegally.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors also voted Monday to make a “good faith effort” to provide translators at board meetings for any non-English speaker who asks for one at least 48 hours in advance.

The legislation, which Mayor Willie Brown is expected to sign, says noncitizens, including illegal immigrants, will not be denied social service and health care benefits in San Francisco.

That puts the city in direct opposition to California’s voter-approved Proposition 187. The 1994 immigration initiative seeks to cut off most state services to illegal residents. It has yet to be enforced because of court challenges.

City employees, including police officers, also will not be penalized if they don’t ask people about their immigration status.

“If any city is going to stand up for equal rights, it’s San Francisco, and I think the rest of the nation expects that from us,” said Supervisor Mabel Teng.

However, the new law would not force the city to pick up the tab if state and federal governments do cut benefits to some immigrants. Right now, the state and federal governments reimburse the city, Teng said, adding that legislation is mainly aimed at forming a unified front to ensure that immigrants know they are still entitled to benefits.

The legislation also makes it policy to use city resources to help immigrants become citizens.