US immigration policy remains one of the most widely discussed topics of 2026. According to various research organisations, more than 12 million people are living in the country without lawful immigration status, while individual states and cities continue to take very different approaches to working with federal authorities. As a result, sanctuary states and jurisdictions attract growing attention from immigrants, employers, legal professionals, community organisations, and researchers.
Against this backdrop, sanctuary jurisdiction policies have become increasingly significant. Some local governments limit the involvement of their employees in federal immigration procedures, while others work closely with federal agencies. These differences directly affect how public institutions, law enforcement agencies, and social services operate.
It is worth remembering that these policies do not create a separate immigration status or override federal law. They only define the extent to which local authorities participate in enforcing federal immigration rules. For anyone planning to relocate or stay in the United States for an extended period, understanding the policies of a particular state or city can be very helpful. Flagma regularly publishes practical information to help readers better understand living and working in the United States.
What sanctuary policies mean in US states
The term sanctuary jurisdiction refers to states, counties, and cities that limit voluntary cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration agencies. These policies are adopted through local legislation, government resolutions, or internal administrative regulations.
The primary purpose of these policies is not to oppose federal law but to define the responsibilities of different levels of government. Federal agencies continue to oversee immigration enforcement, while local police focus on public safety and criminal investigations.
Over the past twenty years, this approach has spread across many parts of the country. At the same time, successive federal administrations have repeatedly sought to reduce funding for these programmes or challenge certain provisions in court. For that reason, the list of sanctuary jurisdictions changes from time to time.
How this model developed
The first elements of this policy began to emerge in the 1980s, when religious organisations provided assistance to people fleeing armed conflicts in Central America.
Later, municipalities adopted similar approaches to strengthen trust between local communities and law enforcement. Over time, several states introduced legislation regulating the exchange of information between local agencies and federal authorities.
Today, sanctuary policies are primarily viewed as a framework for dividing responsibilities between different levels of government.
How jurisdictions with limited cooperation operate
The practical application of these laws varies from one region to another. Even within the same state, individual counties may follow different rules.
The most common approaches include the following.
- Local authorities may limit voluntary compliance with certain requests from federal immigration agencies unless required by a court order.
- Many jurisdictions prohibit the use of local budgets and public resources to implement federal immigration programmes without a legal basis.
- Some municipalities restrict the sharing of certain personal information unless disclosure is required under federal law or by a court decision.
- Several states prohibit agreements that allow local police officers to perform the duties of federal immigration officers.
Despite regional differences, the overall principle remains the same. Local authorities determine the extent of their participation in federal procedures within the powers granted by law.
What these policies do not change
A common misconception is that these jurisdictions protect individuals from federal immigration law. In practice, this is not the case.
Even if a state or city follows sanctuary policies, federal agencies continue to operate within that jurisdiction under their legal authority.
These jurisdictions cannot change federal immigration laws, overturn immigration court decisions, issue Green Cards, grant visas, or prevent federal agencies from carrying out their own enforcement activities.
Sanctuary cities in the United States should therefore be understood as a feature of local governance rather than a mechanism for overriding federal immigration rules.
Rights guaranteed to everyone in the United States
The US Constitution extends a number of fundamental protections to every person within the country's territory. Many of these rights do not depend on citizenship or immigration status.
These protections include the right to due process, protection against unreasonable searches in situations defined by law, access to legal representation, and the right of children to attend public schools.
Federal law also requires healthcare providers to deliver emergency medical treatment regardless of a patient's immigration status.
Eligibility for certain social programmes, however, depends on the laws of individual states and municipalities.
Additional programmes available in some states
Some states have introduced their own support programmes for residents regardless of immigration status. These initiatives do not change federal law but provide additional services at the state or local level.
Depending on the region, these programmes may include healthcare assistance, municipal legal services, local identification cards, educational initiatives, and reduced tuition at public colleges.
The availability of these programmes varies significantly from state to state. Before using any public service, it is advisable to review the current rules that apply in the relevant jurisdiction.
States most commonly identified as sanctuary jurisdictions
In 2026, experts most frequently identify the following states as having the strongest sanctuary policies.
- California.
- Illinois.
- Oregon.
- Washington.
- Colorado.
- New Jersey.
- New York.
- Connecticut.
- Massachusetts.
There is no single official federal list of sanctuary states. Different studies may classify jurisdictions differently because policies continue to evolve, and many rules are adopted at the county or city level.
Cities best known for sanctuary policies
In addition to state-level legislation, many municipalities have adopted their own local regulations.
The best-known cities include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, New York City, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Boston, Philadelphia, and several other major metropolitan areas.
Even within the same state, local policies may differ significantly from one city to another. For that reason, any legal situation should always be assessed based on the specific jurisdiction.
What to consider before relocating
US immigration policy continues to evolve rapidly. Federal court decisions, new state legislation, and changes to municipal regulations regularly reshape existing practices.
Before relocating, accepting employment, or planning a long-term stay, it is advisable to review the official requirements of the relevant state or locality and, when appropriate, seek advice from a licensed immigration attorney.
According to the Pew Research Center and the Department of Homeland Security, changes in this area occur almost every year, so relying on outdated information may lead to incorrect conclusions.
Immigrant guide: how to maintain lawful status in the United States
| Situation | What you should do | Why it matters |
| Entering the United States | Follow the conditions of your visa and the stated purpose of entry | Violating visa conditions may affect future immigration procedures. |
| Length of stay | Monitor the expiration date of your authorised stay (using Form I-94, where applicable) | Overstaying may result in the loss of lawful status and make future visas or immigration benefits more difficult to obtain. |
| Change of address | Notify the appropriate federal authorities of any address change when legally required | US law requires many categories of foreign nationals to report address changes. |
| Extending your status | Submit the necessary applications in advance if you plan to extend or change your immigration status legally | Late filing may reduce the legal options available to remain in the country. |
| Employment | Work only when you have the required employment authorisation for your immigration status | Unauthorised employment may affect future immigration decisions. |
| Education | Comply with the requirements of your student status and maintain your enrolment | Failure to meet student status requirements may result in the loss of legal status. |
| Documents | Keep copies of your passport, visa, I-94 (if applicable), permits, and important official notices | These documents help confirm your lawful immigration history and simplify administrative procedures. |
| Communication with government agencies | Provide only accurate information and never use fraudulent documents | False information may lead to serious legal consequences. |
| Receiving official notices | Do not ignore correspondence from immigration authorities or the courts | Failing to respond on time may negatively affect your case. |
| Changes in personal circumstances | If your employment, education, marital status, or other significant circumstances change, check whether your immigration status is affected | Some changes require additional filings with immigration authorities. |
| Legal assistance | Seek advice from a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative when dealing with complex matters | Timely legal guidance helps prevent mistakes that may be difficult to correct later. |
| Planning for the future | Regularly monitor changes to immigration laws and official requirements | US immigration rules may change, so it is essential to rely on current official information. |
This checklist does not guarantee that you will obtain or keep lawful immigration status, but it can help reduce the risk of violations and support informed decisions in accordance with US immigration law.
What to know before choosing a region
Sanctuary policy is a specific model of cooperation between federal and local authorities. It does not override US immigration law or create a separate legal status, but it does affect the work of police departments, public institutions, and certain municipal programmes.
When choosing a place to live or work, consider more than the existence of sanctuary laws. The local job market, housing costs, education system, access to healthcare, and state or municipal regulations are also significant factors.
According to Pew Research Center and the Department of Homeland Security, immigration policy remains one of the fastest-changing areas of US law, so current information should always be checked through official government sources. Flagma provides practical content that helps readers better understand living, working, and adapting in the United States.
