We seek a ‘sanctuary state’

Abill that proposes to make California a “sanctuary state” is making its way through the Legislature. If passed, the bill would limit local governments from complying with federal immigration officials. For many undocumented California youths, it represents a chance to live without fear. Youths from two parts of the state weigh in on California’s Senate Bill 54.

Their stories are part of a collaboration between The Chronicle and Youth Radio, a nonprofit media production company that brings youth perspectives to community conversations.

My city makes me feel safe

I feel safe in my community. Which isn’t that unusual. Except I’m not just any kid. I’m undocumented.

My family emigrated from Mexico to California when I was 2 years old. Most of my life, I’ve lived in Hayward, which recently became a sanctuary city.

Hayward joined a list of other Bay Area cities that have already declared themselves sanctuaries, which means it’s harder for the government to deport undocumented residents.

When President Trump took office, my community took action to make undocumented kids feel protected. My school assured us we were in a safe place, and many of the faculty hung signs that said, “proud teacher of undocumented students.”

I’m lucky. In some places, undocumented immigrants live in fear of being kicked out of homes that they traveled miles to reach and work hard to keep.

Even before adding a sanctuary title, my city allowed me to thrive in school and be more active in my community. If there were more places like this, then undocumented teens would feel a sense of belonging, despite our legal status.

— Paulina Ortega, 16, is a writer for Youth Radio.

Andrew Cullen / New York Times Protesters in Los Angeles demanded a stop to the Trump administration’s efforts to withhold funding from cities that limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.