According to the Guardian, the Climate Crisis may create 150 million climate refugees by 2050. And we can already see the beginnings of it. In December of 2019, more than 300,000 people were displaced by a huge flood in Jakarta, Indonesia. Earlier that year, CNN reported that the Indonesian government planned to move the capital from Jakarta which is one of the fastest sinking cities in the world to Borneo. As an Asian American with family overseas, it’s scary to know they might be affected. When researching popular places to escape the effects of climate-related natural disasters, Minneapolis and St. Paul are ranked among the highest. Not only will the weather stay relatively calm but the Twin Cities are both “sanctuary cities.”

A sanctuary city could have a different meaning in varying locations but in most cases, it means that those cities don’t use local law enforcement to assist in the detention of undocumented immigrants. In order to offer a more welcome place for the influx of climate refugees to come, my main goal as a YEA!MN Campaign Cohort is to turn my home town, Apple Valley, into a sanctuary city. To become a sanctuary city, the Apple Valley City Council and Mayor Hoopaw would need to pass a resolution.

I have connected with leaders on immigrant issues in MN to learn more about the process of immigration and becoming a sanctuary city. From these connections, I’ve learned about the economic benefits of immigration and in turn, of a sanctuary city that will attract more immigrants. Sanctuary cities often develop ethnic restaurants and stores as well as increase basic accessibility for all. Once people know that they are welcome, they will bring other people with them! I have also interviewed climate refugees and am always open to hearing more experiences (so please reach out!). I will be putting all this information together as evidence of the importance of sanctuary cities as well as the hardships climate refugees go through. 

However, this local action requires as much support as possible, especially from citizens of Apple Valley and surrounding cities. The goal is to get this petition to at least 2,000 signatures by the end of April when I plan on presenting my case to the City Council and Mayor Hoopaw. Join me in making Apple Valley a Sanctuary City and ultimately promote a more welcome atmosphere for all people as well as boosting the economy. Sign now!

If you or someone you know is a climate refugee and is comfortable being interviewed, please reach out! Contact me at isabelleswong@gmail.com for more information on the issue and interviews.