Research Interests:
A cold climate exists in Europe today for vulnerable homeless urban populations, especially those without the right documents, who are often classified as illegal. Interviews conducted in The Hague and in Swansea in South Wales show that... more
A cold climate exists in Europe today for vulnerable homeless urban populations, especially those without the right documents, who are often classified as illegal. Interviews conducted in The Hague and in Swansea in South Wales show that undocumented people are vulnerable to unreported crime, attacks, and even rapes. How can cities become places of welcome for the stranger, providing shelter in a cold economic and political climate for those weary of fleeing? Examples of cities and citizens trying to provide sanctuary are the basis for this essay, showing how cities have qualified for official “city of sanctuary” status in the United States, a promising extension in Europe of a similar movement in the United States. Wide societal involvement, alliances forged, and commitments gained from public and private actors are all part of the city of sanctuary movement. Those involved come from faith groups, charities, asylum-support groups, housing providers, the police, education authorities, and local governments.