Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement on President Barack Obama’s historic announcement of Executive Action to provide relief for undocumented immigrants, which could impact up to 12,000 undocumented immigrants in San Francisco:

“Tonight, President Obama is moving our Nation forward and changing the lives of families all across America. This Immigration Executive Action will help keep families together and bring them out of the shadows.

As the son of immigrant parents, this issue is personal to me. The well-being and success of all families, regardless of immigration status remains our highest priority. As a Sanctuary City, we are committed to providing equal and inclusive services to all residents, regardless of immigration status. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s good for our City. More than 35 percent of San Francisco business are immigrant-owned and over a third of our population speaks another language. Our diversity drives our innovative economy and makes us stronger.”

Mayor Lee will issue an Executive Directive to ensure San Francisco’s full compliance with new Federal rules and make sure undocumented people living in San Francisco can be among the first to benefit from federal or state programs and services in addition to the local services they are already have access to. The City is preparing to help with outreach and education to make sure people understand the process and know their rights, in a culturally competent and linguistically accessible manner. The City will continue working closely with a broad network of community-based organizations, philanthropic foundations, labor, education and City partners to assist residents navigate a path to citizenship.