Immigrant Sanctuary Gains Popularity In Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A third immigrant has taken sanctuary in a church this year in Arizona, reviving a popular movement from the 1980s that sought to help Central American migrants fleeing civil wars stay in the U.S. by letting them live inside churches, where immigration officials generally do not arrest people.

Rosa Robles Loreto is a 41-year-old immigrant who lacks legal status and is facing deportation after getting pulled over for a traffic infraction four years ago. She has vowed to remain in Southside Presbyterian Church until federal immigration authorities grant her leniency.

Although the latest version of the movement so far appears to have only taken place in Arizona, national immigration advocates say it's about to grow, propelled by activists hoping the sanctuary movement will draw attention to the lack of immigration reform.