The Sanctuary Movement

The Sanctuary Movement was a social and political effort, primarily in the 1980s, where individuals and religious groups in the U.S. provided refuge to Central American asylum seekers fleeing violence and political persecution. Participants offered safe shelter and support, often defying government policies that aimed to restrict such sanctuary. The movement highlighted issues of human rights and immigration law, advocating for compassion and the protection of vulnerable populations. It gained attention for its moral stance against forced repatriations, emphasizing community-led resistance to restrictive immigration enforcement.