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Chula Vista City Council to discuss becoming 'welcoming city' instead of 'sanctuary city'

Posted at 10:31 AM, Apr 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-25 20:07:39-04

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) - The city of Chula Vista Tuesday will consider calling itself a "welcoming city," rather than a so-called sanctuary city.

Sanctuary cities have historically protected those who have violated federal immigration laws. However, a welcoming city would welcome and serve all people equally regardless of immigration status.

RELATED: List of Sanctuary Cities 2017 

At a Tuesday meeting, the Chula Vista City Council will discuss current immigration policies and how immigration violations are handled.

The council is calling for the development of a program that would better communicate those policies to the city's immigrant community, so everyone has a clear understanding of laws and services.

RELATED: Chula Vista closer to becoming 'welcoming city'

President Trump signed an executive order that would hold federal funds to any city considered a sanctuary city, but the order did not specifically mention welcoming cities.

RELATED: Chula Vista to weigh in on embattled Otay Water District board member 

Legal experts told 10News there is no actual legal definition of either term, yet. However, legal experts said Chula Vista has always technically been a welcoming city since there a number of tourists, international students, refugees and a close relationship with neighbors in Mexico.