New York, NY—With Albany lawmakers moving quickly to pass an emergency paid sick leave bill, immigrant advocates are raising the alarm that the legislation leaves out thousands of immigrant workers and poses hardships to New York’s small and micro-businesses, the majority of which are owned by workers.
Immigrant NYers Left out of COVID-19 Response Planning, Launch “New York United” Campaign for Immigrant Communities
New York, NY—Today, immigrant advocates, community leaders and elected officials came together to demand the inclusion of immigrant communities in COVID-19 response planning by the city, state and federal governments, and call for the implementation of specific policy and budget proposals as outlined in the "New York United" platform to ensure New York’s immigrants are protected and empowered during this crisis.
Trump Declares National Emergency, Torpedoes Crucial Congressional Bill, While ICE Agents Escalate Enforcement Activities
New York, NY-Today, President Trump declared a national emergency and said he was making $50 billion in emergency funding available, lifting restrictions on doctors and hospitals and waiving interest on student loans. But he rejected a sweeping House economic relief package that would have included paid sick leave, free virus tests, and expanded food security.
As City Responds to Coronavirus, Immigration Advocates Highlight Importance of School Meals, Other Supports for Low-Income and Immigrant NYers
New York, NY—As part of New York City’s response to COVID-19, the city closed two South Bronx schools Thursday morning and additional schools on Friday. In response to this situation, Kim Sykes, Director of Education Policy, New York Immigration Coalition issued the following statement:
“We applaud Mayor de Blasio, Chancellor Carranza, and City Council leaders for recognizing that many New York families rely on schools for more than their children's educational needs, including access to health care, meals, and other essential supports.
Leaked CBP Document Show ICE and CBP Granted Extraordinary Powers During Pandemic Including Indefinite Surveillance and Detention
Washington, DC-A leaked Customs and Border Protection directive allows the agency to actively surveil and detain individuals suspected of carrying illness—indefinitely. The document, obtained by The Nation, is titled “Operations Plan for Pandemic Response” and was drafted during the avian flu pandemic of 2007. The plan describes CBP and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) overseeing potential tent cities of quarantined detainees at the border and coordinating with unspecified intelligence agencies—both foreign and domestic—as well as the Pentagon.
Immigrant Advocates Criticize Trump’s Corona Virus Response—Fear & Xenophobia Instead of Solutions
New York, NY—On Wednesday evening,President Trump announced a 30-day suspension of travel from Europe to the United States, beginning on Friday. The President also imposed a 30-day ban on foreigners who in the previous two weeks have been in the 26 countries that make up the European Union’s Schengen Area.
As Albany Combats Coronavirus, Electeds Turn Their Backs on Immigrant New Yorkers
Albany, NY-Today, immigrants and allies from across the state marched through the corridors of power in Albany demanding support for a broader immigrant protection and empowerment agenda, “New York’s Promise Package,” to defend against the Trump administration’s ongoing assaults and separation of families.
As ICE “Flood the Streets” of New York, Immigrant Advocates Implore Gov. Cuomo and Albany Legislators to Protect Communities, Support Legal Services
New York, NY-With today’s reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) massively increasing its presence in several sanctuary cities, including in New York State, immigrant advocates are renewing their call for Albany to fund desperately-needed immigration lawyers for New York’s families.
New Yorkers Won’t Let Trump Use Coronavirus for His Politics of Hate
New York, NY—Following the confirmation of the first few positive cases of the novel (new) coronavirus, COVID-19, in New York City, immigration advocates joined New York City and New York State officials in urging calm, while denouncing attempts by President Trump to cynically exploit a public health issue for partisan gain.
2nd Court Ruling Will Empower Trump Administration to Hold Hostage Critical Federal Funding for New York in Continuing Stand-off over Protective Policies
New York, NY-Today, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan overturned a lower court's decision ordering the administration to release funding to New York City and seven states — Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, Virginia and Rhode Island.