Best U.S. Cities for Immigrants

According to Golden Beacon USA, an organization that helps immigrants integrate into American society, these are the 7 Best Cities in the U.S. for immigrants:

Criteria: the community/atmosphere, cost of living, and the prevalence of immigrant-friendly programs and rights

1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

   1. One of the few cities in the U.S. with a municipal I.D. program for undocumented immigrants 

   2. The cost of living is below the national average

2. Baltimore, Maryland

   1. Has become more immigrant-friendly since 2010

   2. Implemented Policy 1021 (published on 7/20/2020) that puts in writing that the Baltimore Police Department will not ask anyone about immigration status and will not do the work of ICE by enforcing administrative warrants of removal. 

3. San Francisco, California

   1. Though the cost of living is high, it is home to some of the most welcoming and immigrant-friendly policies and programs. 

   2. The Truth Act protects immigrants’ basic rights in local jails

   3. Many colleges and universities do not allow ICE on their campus, do not share immigration status with ICE, provide tuition support to students with DACA status, and provide confidential legal support to students with immigration law questions.

   4. DACA holders can get unemployment benefits due to the effects of COVID

   5. 72% of Californians believe immigrants are a benefit to the state and 84% believe there should be a way for undocumented immigrants to stay in the country legally. See

4. Seattle, Washington

   1. 1 out of 5 residents in Seattle was born outside of the U.S.

   2. It is a Sanctuary or “Welcoming” city which means that all City departments prioritize and consider policies, actions, and practices that help immigrant and refugee communities succeed. 

   3. City employees do not ask about immigration status as passed in 2003 (Seattle Ordinance 121063). 

5. New York City, New York

   1. Like San Francisco, NYC is an expensive place to live. However, it boasts many immigrant-friendly policies and programs. 

   2. The City requires that immigration status be kept confidential except in limited circumstances. 

   3. Does not assist the federal government in enforcing federal immigration law except in limited circumstances. 

   4. Many public benefits available to immigrants, including undocumented individuals:

      1. Immunizations

      2. Public school education

      3. School breakfast and lunch programs

      4. Police protection

      5. Children under 19 are eligible for health insurance under SCHIP

      6. Emergency medical care 

      7. Prenatal care for pregnant women

6. San Jose, California

   1. When the community saw a rise in local ICE raids, the San Jose Police Department committed to not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. 

   2. County resources are not used for ICE enforcement. 

   3. Can get a driver's license, regardless of immigration status. 

7. Chicago, Illinois

   1. A much cheaper alternative to San Francisco or New York City. 

   2. “Welcoming City” ordinance is in place. “Don’t ask, don’t tell” essentially. You will not be asked about your immigration status and your information will not be disclosed to authorities. 

   3. Illinois law bans participation in ICE policing programs. 

   4. Issues a special driver’s license to individuals who cannot get a social security number (temporary visitor driver’s license).