By Bill Parry
Mayor Bill de Blasio and state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the formation of a new joint task force to target those who prey on immigrants, while encouraging victims of fraud to come forward without fear.
The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and the city Department of Consumer Affairs, together with the Office of the Attorney General, will dedicate enforcement resources and conduct a public awareness campaign to stop predators from taking advantage of immigrant communities in advance of the full implementation of President Obama’s executive action on immigration.
“The president’s immigration reforms will initiate an economic, political and social transformation of our cities and our country,” de Blasio said. “But unfortunately, this progress also brings opportunities for criminals who prey on the most vulnerable of us. Our joint city-state anti-fraud task force will stop fraudsters in their tracks and provide a safe place for immigrant fraud victims to come forward.”
The Anti-Immigration Fraud Task Force will go after scammers who are taking advantage of people by falsely promising to fast-track applications for money, officials say. Unauthorized immigration consultants can create delays in the application process, cost applicants unnecessary fees and possibly even lead to deportation proceedings.
“Together we are sending a powerful message that New York has zero tolerance for anyone who seeks to prey on immigrants and their families,” Schneiderman said. “As the president’s action goes into effect, New York is taking the lead to root out fraud against those looking for a better life. Through this strategic partnership, we will hold accountable those who take advantage of vulnerable immigrants and help make the goals of the president’s action a reality for thousands of New Yorkers.
Meanwhile, de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced an expanded coalition will take legal action in support of immigration reforms. More than 70 cities and counties have joined to file a new friend-of-the-court brief in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in the Texas vs. United States lawsuit, urging immediate implementation of President Obama’s executive action on immigration. The order will provide temporary relief from deportation to immigrants with longstanding ties to the United States who pass a background check and meet other criteria.
The brief demonstrates robust support from the country’s largest cities for the president’s reforms and it more than doubles the number of local governments that had previously voiced opposition to the lawsuit brought by states seeking to block reform efforts.
“Continuing to delay implementation of the president’s executive action on immigration hurts our economy and puts families at risk,” de Blasio said. “Cities are where immigrants live, and cities are where the president’s executive action will be successfully implemented. Our cities are united, and we will fight for the immigration reform this nation needs and deserves – whether in the courtroom, in Congress, or in our communities. Make no mistake about it; our voices will be heard.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
