Traverse City Discussion On What It Would Mean To Become A Sanctuary City Continues

“I hope that we can come together as a community and have a diplomatic discussion about what this means,” said Lydia Goddard, committee member.

What would it mean if Traverse City becomes a sanctuary city?

That discussion continued Monday night.

The city formed a Human Rights Ad Hoc committee last month to consider what it would mean to become a sanctuary city.

A difficult and controversial topic involving the treatment of undocumented or illegal immigrants.

Questions raised during the meeting on what the city risks by becoming a sanctuary city, even a clear definition of what a sanctuary city is.

9&10’s Whitney Amann has more details from the meeting and concerned community members.

“I’ve heard about some of the problems that other cities have had; increase in crime, increase in undocumented citizens and it concerns me,” said Lyndsay Hicks.

Making the controversial move to become a sanctuary city, it’s being discussed in Traverse City and it has some citizens concerned.

“I think if this issue goes further and this city is designated as a sanctuary city, which is basically an undocumented person’s way of getting around our laws, our requirements for them to become a citizen, I think it’s going to be a huge negative for this community and I think people will move away,” said Hicks.

The committee is not for or against becoming a sanctuary city, they just have one goal in mind.

“We have a preference for doing what is best for the city and making sure that we send a message to the rest of the world that Traverse City is a welcoming community,” said Isiah Smith, committee chair.

“There’s a lot of tricky situations and it’s not something that’s clear cut by any means which is why I have not aligned myself with one opinion or the other as of yet; we’re just discovering and researching and taking on public comment to make sure we’re making the best decision for everyone in Traverse City,” said Goddard.

The committee will make a recommendation to the Human Rights Commission, which will then go to the City Commission to make a final decision.

“I just wanted to make sure we’re making these decisions with the voice of the people who this actually affects in mind as well and not just coming from those who are comfortable and safe coming to public meetings so I’m trying to be a voice for those who can’t advocate for themselves right now,” said Goddard.

The next committee meeting will be on May 31st at 6 p.m. at the Governmental Center.