By Bill Parry
State Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D–Astoria) introduced legislation Monday to prevent the intimidation of crime victims and witnesses who are undocumented immigrants. Her bill would amend the New York State Penal Law (Section 215.15) to make it an Class-E Felony to report the immigration status of a crime victim or someone who is seeking an order of protection in Family Court.
“The president’s recent executive orders and Homeland Security directives have caused so much fear and confusion, the federal government has handed abusers and other criminals a weapon to harass, intimidate and silence fearful victims,” Simotas said. “If predatory criminals can turn in their victims to immigration authorities, our communities become less safe because undocumented victims and witnesses will simply not report crimes.”
The New York State Penal Law currently protects crime victims from harassment, physical violence, and threats of physical violence, but it does not address threats of deportation. The Simotas legislation would close the loophole, which she attributes to current federal immigration policies and which criminals can easily use to evade prosecution.
“Those brave enough to report abuse must not be silenced by the threat of deportation,” Simotas said.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
