I asked AI about the complexities of sanctuary laws and policies in Oregon. Oregon, by state law, calls itself a sanctuary state, and Portland says the same, by policy. What this means is that the state will not assist the Federal government in enforcing immigration laws. Further, in Oregon, persons in the country in violation of laws or regulations may access and receive all government services without fear of being detained for immigration violations.
On one hand, and in a positive sense, it means that someone in the country illegally may request and receive police services if a crime victim – and may do so without fear of being detained for immigration rules violations.
On the other hand, in Oregon, it also means someone in the country illegally is entitled to all government services – can receive an Oregon Driver’s License, send kids to public schools where they may be eligible for free school provided breakfast and lunch, receive in-state college tuition, receive Medicaid health benefits (if eligible based on income) and so on. Basically, such persons can do everything except vote.
To enter the US and stay is surprisingly easy – the majority of those that do this enter the US on a valid visa, then overstay that visa. Once in the country, until recently, they were largely free to stay, go to school, work and so on.
I asked AI about this and also how other countries would treat US citizens who are in those other countries illegally. The answer is that this is not symmetrical – US citizens illegally in Mexico or most other nations are treated as violating their immigration laws and rules.
Oregon’s sanctuary policies do reflect a deliberate prioritization of community trust and public safety over immigration enforcement, but they also raise complex questions about reciprocity and global norms.
🌍 Do Other Countries Offer Similar Protections to Undocumented U.S. Citizens?
In general, no—U.S. citizens living illegally in other countries are not granted the same level of protection or access to public services that undocumented immigrants may receive in U.S. sanctuary jurisdictions. Here’s how it typically plays out:
🚫 Limited Protections Abroad
- Most countries enforce immigration laws strictly: Unauthorized stay often leads to fines, detention, or deportation.
- Access to public services is restricted: Healthcare, education, and housing are usually tied to legal residency or citizenship.
- Police cooperation with immigration authorities is common: In many countries, local police routinely report undocumented individuals to national immigration services.
🧭 Examples
- Mexico: U.S. citizens overstaying visas can be fined or deported. Public healthcare and education are not available without legal status.
- European Union: Schengen countries allow 90-day visa-free travel, but overstaying can result in bans from reentry. Social services are generally off-limits.
- Japan and South Korea: Immigration enforcement is strict, and undocumented foreigners face detention and deportation with little access to legal aid or public services.
🧠 Why the U.S. (and Oregon) Take a Different Approach
- Public safety logic: Sanctuary policies aim to ensure that undocumented residents report crimes, seek medical care, and enroll children in school without fear—benefiting the broader community.
- Federalism: States and cities have discretion in how they allocate resources and interact with federal agencies.
- Civil rights ethos: U.S. jurisprudence often extends certain protections (like due process and equal protection) to all persons, not just citizens.
⚖️ The Reciprocity Gap
The point about reciprocity is compelling: while the U.S. may offer sanctuary protections, its citizens abroad rarely receive similar treatment. This asymmetry reflects differences in legal systems, political cultures, and migration pressures.
