Topic: Expanding the Legal and Political Boundaries of “Sanctuary” Through Practices of Compassionate Migration
Abstract:
The history of townships and cities granting sanctuary to those fleeing from state and non-state violence is rooted in a deep history of hospitality and compassion. As we are witnessing a dangerous rise in xenophobia and nativism accompanied by policies of exclusion, we are also witnessing, as a counter-hegemonic response to the former, a rising number of “sanctuary” jurisdictions. Today the number of “sanctuary” jurisdictions in the United States has risen to nearly 500, representing a massive expansion of spaces where state and local governments are implementing policies that shelter irregular immigrants from being detained and deported by immigration authorities in spaces considered under the exclusive jurisdiction of state and local authorities. Although sanctuary cities, counties, and states are mainly focused on restricting their cooperation with federal authorities, their scope and reach, which includes cooperating with a growing number of social networks supporting “sanctuary”, are pushing the legal boundaries of state and local governments regarding new forms of inclusion for those immigrants who find themselves in an irregular situation. As a result, irregular immigrants are enjoying more freedoms and rights. Despite the institutional and informal counter-hegemonic responses to today’s policies of exclusion, which are framed in an increasing criminalization and securitization of migration, this paper proposes the pressing need for the sanctuary movement in the U.S. to embrace the concept and practice of Compassionate Migration. Furthermore, this paper would also like to suggest that by embracing Compassionate Migration, local and state communities can drive the federal government to reconsider the social and economic costs of maintaining the present policies of exclusion.
Biography:
Professor Arrocha teaches courses on international development, migration and human rights, as well as U.S.-Mexico relations. His latest publication is titled Compassionate Migration and Regional Policy in the Americas (Palgrave Macmillan UK). His research focuses on immigration, development, and human rights. His work has been published in The Journal of Intercultural Disciplines, The California Western Law Review, The Journal for Hate Studies, La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), The Seton Hall Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations, North Western Journal of International Affairs, Mesoámerica, Libros de FLASCO, and Revista de Relaciones Internacionales, UNAM, México. He appears regularly on UNIVISION and has been a consultant for the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the governments of Mexico and Canada. He received a U.S. Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition for Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community, and a California Legislature Assembly Certificate in Recognition of the 2006 Allen Griffin Award for Post-Secondary Teaching. He is fluent in Spanish and French.