Poll: Sanctuary Cities

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Gov. Henry McMaster announced Monday a new law enforcement initiative to ensure that no South Carolina municipalities become "sanctuary cities," with a pledge to establish - in state law - a mechanism through which local officials must annually prove compliance with existing immigration laws. Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Bannister, the proposed legislation would supplement existing law requiring reasonable efforts be made to determine whether a person in custody and charged with a criminal offense is an unlawful alien. Several cities across the nation have declared themselves to be sanctuary cities through local ordinances. Proponents argue that sanctuary cities reduce the fear of deportation and possible family break-ups among those who are in the country illegally. The hope of proponents is that, with these fears allayed, these folks will be more willing to report crimes, use health and social services and enroll their children in school. "Our cities are open to all who follow our laws, but are not sanctuaries for those who ignore them,” said McMaster. “South Carolina is a special place, known for the kindness and welcoming nature of its people, but it’s also a place that values law and order, and this bill will serve as a strong message to all that we will not tolerate lawlessness." Please leave your explanation in the comments with a full name and where you're from for possible use in an upcoming opinion section of The Manning Times.