In 1989, through CANA’s advocacy efforts, San Francisco passed the City of Refuge Ordinance, which prohibited city agencies from inquiring into immigration status or cooperating with federal immigration authorities. This made San Francisco the first “Sanctuary City” in the United States.

In 2009, CANA’s further advocacy led to San Francisco granting city identification cards so that any resident can apply for a city ID regardless of immigration status. The municipal ID card allows undocumented immigrants, homeless residents, and others who lack access to other government-issued ID cards to participate more fully in civic life. This bold and compassionate choice made San Francisco a national leader, with other cities soon issuing similar identification cards.

Today, CANA provides services to recent immigrants and their families, including:

• Crisis intervention
• Legal and health service referrals
• Food assistance
• Citizenship classes
• GED and computer classes