Amid Trump crackdowns, S.F. asks How long is too long for immigrant families to stay in shelter?

Amid President Trump's strict immigration policies, San Francisco confronts a significant issue regarding the duration of shelter stays for immigrant families. At present, 344 families are housed in shelters, but the city is enforcing a 90-day limit on stays, causing anxiety among these families. Supervisor Jackie Fielder's recent legislation seeks to extend these stays to a full year, but this could lead to longer wait times for 255 other families who are currently without shelter. The struggle for housing is particularly difficult for newcomer families, many of whom are monolingual Spanish speakers navigating a complex immigration process. The journey to stable housing can take months, with families like Margarita Solito Sorto's enduring long periods in shelters before finding apartments.

Experts highlight that factors such as family size, special needs, and neighborhood preferences complicate the search for affordable housing. Ultimately, the proposed legislation aims to provide crucial support while raising questions about the city's ability to balance resources for all families in need. The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by sanctuary cities in providing refuge amid changing federal policies.