New York AG James introduces legislation to combat employer retaliation against immigrant workers
NEW YORK, NY – Yesterday, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced new legislation that would hold employers accountable and penalize those who retaliate against workers, by threatening to expose their immigration status to federal authorities.
This legislation would codify the definition of retaliatory conduct to include threats against an individual regarding their immigration status. Violation of this law would be a Class B Misdemeanor and carry up to three months in jail and up to a $20,000 fine.
Steven Choi, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition, issued the following statement:
“Hard-working, immigrant New Yorkers can now advocate for themselves in the workplace without fear of being turned over to ICE and slated for deportation. We’re excited to see newly elected Attorney General Letitia James pushing forward legislation that protects immigrants and workers out of the box, and we look forward to working closer on more bold action in 2019.”
###