A coalition of immigration advocates has condemned New York State legislators for their failure to pass legislation that would prohibit local law enforcement and state agencies from collaborating with United States immigration enforcement agencies in the deportation of Caribbean and other immigrants.
The coalition, which includes the New York For All Campaign, the Bronx Defenders, as well as the New York Civil Liberties Union, has expressed its disappointment that the New York State Legislative session is ending without leaders bringing the New York For All legislation to the Senate or Assembly.
In a statement, the coalition said, “This legislation would have protected immigrant communities and all New Yorkers by prohibiting local law enforcement and state agencies from conspiring with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol.”
They emphasized that ending this collusion would have allowed immigrant New Yorkers to go about their daily lives without the fear that a simple traffic stop or calling 911 in an emergency could lead to being forcibly separated from their families.
“This builds trust between the government and the communities it serves and allows our local economies to flourish by letting people feel safe to participate in daily life,” they added.
The New York For All Act had garnered support with 62 co-sponsors in the New York State Assembly and 32 co-sponsors in the New York State Senate.
“Once again, Albany [the capital of New York State] has chosen political convenience over protecting New York families by failing to move forward with the New York For All Act. The bill had strong support in both houses and had widespread backing from labour and local elected officials across New York State,” the coalition expressed.
They further noted, “The lack of political courage and moral leadership in Albany—and the failure to take a bold stand in the face of rising xenophobia—means that New York’s immigrant communities will continue to live with the threat that any encounter with government agencies can result in separation from their families.”
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