In response to Washington DC threatening to cut off funding for sanctuary cities, Mayor James Kenney tweeted 9:25 PM - 25 Jan 2017
We are the City of Brotherly Love & Sisterly Affection. All are welcome here. No matter where you're coming from.
To which I replied,
"#Philadelphia as a #SanctuaryCity hosting #illegaAliens denies poor urban minorities jobs & drives out legal business & residents."
After Philadelphia won its court case to remain a sanctuary city a staffer for Mayor Kenney put out this celebratory video of the Mayor dancing
Legal Immigration
What he fails to address is NOBODY is against immigrants. My parents immigrated to Philadelphia. It took my father 7 years to get here legally after WW2. He had to document a skilled trade that was in demand, fund his way here, have a host family (3200 block of Knorr St. in Northeast Philly), who would pay his way home if he didn't keep a job or if he committed a crime. He also signed the guest book on the way in. He carried his identity papers everywhere he went. It took him 5 years to get his citizenship.
The keyword is LEGALLY. My father came alone leaving my mother in Europe until she was permitted to come here ... legally. Nobody gave them a dime and they weren't welcomed with open arms. They taught themselves English and never let on to people they understood what was being said as they were the object of gossip and derision over backyard fences.
My parents gave me a deep appreciation of immigrants, foreign accents, and the diversity of people. They started a business, employed hundreds of people, donated tens of thousands to charity, and paid millions in taxes.
Illegal Aliens
Nothing about the term Undocumented Immigrants makes sense. If you're undocumented you're illegal and if you're illegal you are not an immigrant. You are, in fact, an Illegal Alien. On average they consume more services and pay fewer taxes. I know of some that work very very hard. I see them every day. I would also never report them. Not that Philly would do anything.
The illegals that I know aren't being paid "on the books" but in straight cash, often packed in apartments owned by their employers. These employers are then not paying the usual employment taxes to the city and state as well as not paying workers' compensation. When one of these workers gets hurt they just get a ride to the emergency room and often they never pay the bill. The hospital, by law, can't deny them care. Nobody would want them to deny them care.
Sanctuary City and unemployed minorities
The unemployment rate among inner-city black youths in Philadelphia is 52%. Among Latinos, it's 40%. (2016 Brookings Institution). Philadelphia can never realize its full potential unless this problem is solved. It takes education, training, and opportunity. The education system in Philly is notably lacking. Training is sometimes available. Opportunity is restricted as long as Philadelphia allows thousands of illegals to live and work here. Not only are they permitted, but more are encouraged to come. They are paid less than what a legal minority would be paid. Because of this those minorities that want to work and have the ability are denied opportunities.
As legal small business face stricter regulations, reduced services, and increased taxes they leave the city or just give up and sell the property to anybody willing to take it off their hands. Law-abiding homeowners are leaving the Northeast in droves choosing to start and raise families outside the city.
My contention is that the Sanctuary City policy of Philadelphia is racist. We need to focus on who is here now and those that need a future. When anybody takes a stand against illegals they are instantly branded a racist. Well, I maintain that if you look at the people most hurt (poor minorities) those that encourage illegals are the real racists.
