Defend and Empower Immigrants

I grew up undocumented in New York, and understand first hand the immigrant experince in the US. I know what it’s like to live in constant fear that you or a loved one will be deported or to be judged because of where you are from.  We must not only ensure that immigrants are protected from dangers such as ICE, but also treated with dignity and respect everywhere they go. 

When elected, I will pass laws to make New York a true sanctuary state and limit the scope of ICE, as well as ensure that immigrant workers have protection from abusive or exploitative bosses. 

Making NY a True Sanctuary State

Nobody should live under the threat of being torn apart from their family and deported. That is why I support banning ICE from arresting people at courthouses, schools, hospitals, and places of worship, and ending state contracts with companies that collaborate with ICE. In addition, I will also fight to protect immigrant privacy, by supporting legislation to limit when police and other government agencies can access information about immigration status.  In addition, I will use my position to help establish ICE watches and community support networks to defend our undocumented neighbors from ICE.

Establishing NY Citizenship

In the absence of comprehensive immigration reform on the federal level, New York must act to recognize the humanity of our immigrant communities. We must pass the New York Is Home Act, which will grant state citizenship to all New Yorkers, regardless of federal citizenship status. This legislation guarantees human rights protections to non-citizens, grants voting rights in state and local elections, and extends access to social services.

Ensure Immigrant Healthcare Access ​

Immigrant families that are ineligible for Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance through NY State of Health (NY’s insurance marketplace, established under the Affordable Care Act) are unable to access affordable healthcare.  Until we pass the NY Health Act (universal health insurance for all New Yorkers, regardless if immigration status), we must also expand and fund NY’s Essential Plan to include all New Yorkers with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level, regardless of immigration status.  

Expanding Labor Protections

Immigrant workers are some of our most vulnerable workers, as they often work in industries which have the fewest worker protections, whether as  matter of law or the lack of unionization in the industry.  I will fight to pass the SWEAT and EMPIRE Acts, which would protect undocumented immigrants from explotation and harrasement from their employers, and allow them to file complaints if they are mistreated. I will also work to increase union membership among farm workers, childcare workers and healthcare workers, who are predominantly immigrants. 

Expanding Access to Counsel in Immigration Court

Deportations terrify New York's immigrant families and disrupt our communities.  We must expand funding for the Legal Defense Project and the Office for New Americans, and fight to create a right to counsel for New Yorkers facing deportation in immigration court.