New York, Jan 10 (EFE).- Immigrant advocacy groups in New York criticized Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday for not including “enough” specific measures for them in her annual work agenda, including the nearly 30,000 applicants asylum seekers who have arrived in recent months.
The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), which encompasses some 200 organizations across the state, acknowledged the commitments of Hochul, from the moderate wing of the Democratic Party, on some important issues for immigrants, but highlighted his lack of support for important legislation for immigrants. this community.
NYIC asked him to approve a bill called “Access to Representation,” which would give anyone in New York facing deportation the right to a public defender, as well as allocate a budget of $100 million to avoid deportation. risk of families being “cruelly separated”.
In addition, the group demanded that Hochul commit to another bill called “New York for All” that would prohibit state and local law enforcement from collaborating with the federal immigration authority (ICE) by revealing information that can lead to deportation.
“In addition, the lack of investment in health coverage for all New Yorkers, regardless of their legal status, is no small oversight in light of the current pandemic and the contributions of our communities to keep New York open for business,” it indicates. a note.
One of the largest organizations, Make The Road, with 25,000 members, also recalled that immigrants have been on the front lines of the pandemic for the last three years and have suffered especially from the housing crisis while being excluded from unemployment benefits or health coverage.
“The governor should also support tax increases for the wealthiest New Yorkers to finance housing, health, education (including adult education) and vital legal service needs,” explains a statement from this entity.
Brad Lander, the New York City Auditor, who has received thousands of immigrants sent by bus from the southern United States, echoed those claims as well, highlighting the city’s migration history and saying that the state government must allocate more funds to provide shelter and services to new arrivals.