New York, NY—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would allow the deportation of undocumented immigrants who are charged with – not found guilty of – nonviolent crimes, including burglary, theft, larceny or shoplifting. Forty eight House Democrats (including New York representatives Laura Gillen, John Mannion, Joseph Morelle, Josh Riley, Tom Suozzi, and Ritchie Torres) joined all House Republicans in voting for the bill.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“In America, everyone is afforded due process under the law. Everyone deserves their day in court, and the chance to argue for their innocence. However, Congress is now taking a draconian turn towards denying people this fundamental Constitutional right. We know that Black and Brown Americans – and New Yorkers – are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement. If this bill becomes law, immigrants who are swept up in this enforcement, without even being convicted of a crime, could be permanently separated from their families before having the opportunity to defend themselves in a court of law – in direct violation of their Constitutional rights. It is shocking to see our elected leaders so callously throwing immigrants under the bus in the hopes that they can build their own political futures with Donald Trump. We are calling on our elected officials in the Senate to wake up to the realities of what this will mean for families and communities across our country, and to reject this fascist legislation.”