By Bill Parry
Six foreign nationals living in Queens were among 31 arrested during a three-day sweep by agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Of those arrested during the enforcement action that ended Monday, 30 had criminal histories, while one had a pending drug charge.
As the ICE operation was ending, the Independent Democratic Conference announced it had made the largest commitment to immigrant legal aid in New York state history — securing $10 million for services in the 2017-2018 budget. The IDC fund will work in conjunction with Gov. Cuomo’s Liberty Defense Project.
“We are living in a difficult time and we need to protect our immigrant communities now more than ever,” state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) said. “The ultra-conservative and un-American actions emanating from Washington have led to a spike in hate crimes, and increased threats of deportation for immigrants in New York. In the age of President Trump, it is an unacceptable truth that immigrants in my district, and throughout New York State, go about their daily lives with constant fear in their eyes. The IDC is committed to helping immigrants as a part of this year’s budget process, and this is a clear, unquestionable way of doing just that. We are a city, a state, and a country of immigrants, and no one can change that reality. My door is always open to anyone, who, like my parents, came here searching for the American Dream.”
Funding awards include: $4 million to the Vera Institute of Justice, $1 million to the New York Immigration Coalition, $1 million to the Empire Justice Center and $1 million to Catholic Charities Community Services, among others.
“This country was built on the backs of immigrants who came here looking for a better life for them and their families, many of them fleeing persecution,” state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) said. “I am proud to be part of the fight to fund programs that provide necessary aid to immigrant communities and will continue to ensure that any person who needs help or resources knows that my office door is open to assist them. This historic funding shows that our state will continue to support and protect every New Yorker regardless of their origin.”
Meanwhile, the City Council overwhelmingly voted to pass legislation to protect immigrants from fraudulent legal services. Intro 746-A will impose stricter penalties for and will help prevent unauthorized practice of immigration law.
“Now more than ever it is important to protect our immigrant communities and my legislation does just that,” said City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Height), the bill’s lead sponsor. “It clarifies prohibited conduct for service providers and strengthens posting requirements, which now must direct individuals to the Office of New Americans’ hotline for complaints and legal help. Furthermore, it doubles penalties for those who would still take advantage of immigrants, with fines ranging from $500 to $10,000. Finally, it creates a Consumer Bill of Rights, protecting immigrants from fraud.”
City Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) was proud to cast his vote in support of Dromm’s legislation.
“With the Trump administration threatening to deport thousands of immigrants, it is crucial immigrant New Yorkers in need of assistance receive honest counsel and are not misled by deceitful providers,” Lancman said. “Immigration service providers that do not comply with the law and actively defraud those in need must be held accountable and face significant consequences.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
