Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Tuesday his intention to introduce a Welcoming City Ordinance that builds on efforts to make Chicago the most immigrant-friendly city in the country by incorporating basic protections for undocumented Chicagoans who have not been convicted of a serious crime and are not wanted on a criminal warrant.

“This Welcoming City ordinance will make Chicago a national leader in welcoming those who play by the rules, contribute to our economy and help make Chicago the incredible city that was envisioned by its first immigrant settlers,” said Mayor Emanuel.

The ordinance builds on an existing City policy that prohibits agencies from inquiring about the immigration status of people seeking City services, and provides that the Chicago Police Department will not question crime victims, witnesses and other law-abiding residents about their legal status. It will now be expanded to ensure that undocumented Chicagoans will only be detained if they are wanted on a criminal warrant by local or federal authorities, if they have been convicted of a serious crime and remain in the United States illegally, or if they are otherwise a clear threat to public safety or national security.

“We know from the experience around the country that enlisting police and local governments in enforcing federal civil law undermines public safety, wastes precious and scarce law enforcement resources, and weakens the bonds of trust between police and the communities they serve and protect, “ said U. S. Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (IL-04).

“There is a difference between people who come here to contribute to the well-being of their families and in the process contribute to the well-being of their city, with those who engage in criminal activity, and in the process, destroy our quality of life,” stated Juan Rangel, CEO of The United Neighborhood Organization (UNO).