5. El Paso, Texas
El Paso is a true border town, where 80% of the city’s total population is of Hispanic or Latino origin. Many immigrants (about half the immigrant population) came and established themselves as U.S. citizens. At the same time, new immigrants pass through regularly on their way to other destinations in the U.S. El Paso is recognized for its extensive efforts at helping immigrants who are victims of crime or abuse. As the NLC report states, “Immigrants too often become victims of domestic abuse, feeling powerless to seek help or protection. … Victims may be afraid to come forward because they are undocumented and may be deported. Fortunately, they still have many rights.” The city’s Victim Services Unit ensures that those rights are honored, such as the one that says any victim of any crime has the right not to disclose their immigration status to police or shelters. Non-citizens are also allowed to get a restraining order and access emergency medical care in El Paso, as officials value the safety of those citizens above their immigration status.
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