PROVINCETOWN – Selectmen in Provincetown are considering declaring the town a sanctuary to protect undocumented immigrants.
At a recent Board of Selectmen’s meeting, School Committee Chair Anthony Brackett raised concerns expressed by recent immigrant students following the results of the Presidential Election.
Sanctuary cities protect undocumented immigrants by not prosecuting them solely for violating federal immigration laws.
Selectman Tom Donegan said Provincetown has a long history of welcoming others.
“We believe we have always benefited by new people coming into town and welcoming them,” Donegan said. “And we want to continue that tradition.”
Donegan said the town is looking to send the message that it is a welcoming place.
The board voted unanimously to hold further discussion on becoming a sanctuary town.
Donegan said he expects them to progress to be made early in the winter with a possible warrant article presented to town meeting voters in the spring.
“Resolutions out of town meeting are very popular and I think that would be something that would very likely be appropriate,” Donegan said.
Provincetown would join Orleans as sanctuary towns on Cape Cod.
By BRIAN MERCHANT, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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