Immigration advocates from New York's capital region gathered at Albany City Hall to urge local lawmakers to consider making the city a sanctuary for those living in the country illegally.
Approximately 50 affiliates of the New Sanctuary for Immigrants of the Capital Region rallied Monday before the Albany Common Council's meeting on immigrants' rights.
By making Albany a sanctuary city, local police would not investigate or report a person's immigrant status to federal authorities unless they have a convincing reason.
Opponents of the policy say it allows immigrants with criminal backgrounds to remain in the country.
The council on Monday affirmed a 2009 resolution calling for Albany officials to refrain from "unnecessary measures concerning an individual's immigration status." Because the resolution is not an ordinance, it has no legal standing.
©2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
