The strength of the book lies in the timely examples it employs. Delgado's ability to align sanctuary cities with global and historical movements for social justice remove the stigma portrayed by media. He provides a concise and comprehensive history of immigration and the drivers for the sanctuary movement. * Esther A. Ayers, Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare *
This book is very relevant to the daily news stream. Its case illustrations present the complexity and variation among localities that try to protect the unauthorized immigrants. It is a handy reference on immigration and the sanctuary movement written in a conversational but not very engaging style. It will be useful to activists, clergy, and organizers. * CHOICE *
Who else but Melvin Delgado could have written such a rich and provocative book about such a timely and essential moment in American history? A book that deftly integrates research and practice, science and history, balance and advocacy? A book that shines a powerful light on the Sanctuary City response to the dehumanizing forces that constitute the criminalization of immigration? Only Melvin Delgado could have written this complex and powerful text, and I am much the wiser for it. * Rich Furman, PhD, MSW, Professor of Social Work, University of Washington Tacoma *
Sanctuaries don't just happen. They are created by human beings when threats to safety or survival occur. In the past decade, the use of sanctuary cities and organizations has grown. Were the threats natural disasters or dangerous creatures, sanctuary movements would not be politically laden. But, as Delgado points out, it is the intensified immigration enforcement practices-from raids and arrests to detention and deportation-that have driven the growth and prominence, and vilification, of sanctuary cities, communities, and organizations. At the heart of sanctuary is compassion, an emotion that spurs us to help. Delgado's compassionate book does just that. * Luis H. Zayas, PhD, Dean and Robert Lee Sutherland Chair in Mental Health and Social Policy, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin *
Sanctuary status has become a 21st-century sociopolitical flashpoint. The concept has historical, political, organizational, and personal dimensions that deserve thoughtful and comprehensive inquiry. Dr. Delgado's analysis provides a basis for critical thinking and development of an in-depth understanding of the complex dynamics associated with the sanctuary concept. * Betty Garcia, PhD, Professor Emerita, California State University, Fresno *
Sanctuary Cities, Communities, and Organizations: A Nation at a Crossroads is an excellent and important book written by Melvin Delgado, professor in the School of Social Work at Boston University... In this political climate, the Sanctuary movement is more important than ever before in fighting for the rights of unauthorized immigrants. Social workers and group workers are in a critical position to advance this movement and stay true to their ethical values and mission of social justice, human rights, social action, diversity, and inclusiveness. This is a must-read book for social work practitioners including group workers, policymakers, researchers, and academics, as well as anyone interested in immigrant rights. * Social Work with Groups *
