NEW YORK—President Obama has put off immigration reform until next year, but New York residents aren’t any less antsy about improving the rights of immigrants in their home state. A coalition of elected officials and community leaders led by state Senator Jose Serrano is pushing for an improvement in conditions for immigrants.
“To make the case for comprehensive reform in Washington, we need to energize the grassroots, and also curb unjust practices that are taking place here at home,” said Sen. Serrano at an event in East Harlem on Thursday. “We consider New York a sanctuary city, yet too many immigrants are left standing outside in the cold.”
The group, dubbed East Harlem Against Deportation, has sent 1,000 appeal letters collected over the last six months urging Obama to stop the detention and deportation of illegal immigrants, which sometimes tears families apart.
Serrano pointed to Rikers Island, where 13,000 inmates—many of them arrested on minor charges or later found not guilty—have been placed into deportation proceedings since 2004. The policy report calls on the Department of Correction to reassess its collaboration with federal immigration officials.
Foreign-born residents comprise more than 25 percent of the East Harlem population, according to, Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito.
“Throughout its history, East Harlem has not just provided a home to immigrants, but rather helped them flourish and realize the American dream,” said Mark-Viverito.
Serrano’s group released a report that outlined five policy recommendations for New York City and state to protect immigrants and their families. The proposals range from improved visa certification by the police department to the establishment of a dynamic municipal ID card.
“Immigrants are not just an important part of our history but they are vital members our current communities and certainly key to our future as a nation,” said Congressman Charles B. Rangel.
“At the end of the day, a green card or lack thereof, should not get in the way of the humanity we show each other. How we treat our fellow Americans, how we educate them and how we protect their rights is as much an example of the character of this country as it is a matter of sound public policy.”
“To make the case for comprehensive reform in Washington, we need to energize the grassroots, and also curb unjust practices that are taking place here at home,” said Sen. Serrano at an event in East Harlem on Thursday. “We consider New York a sanctuary city, yet too many immigrants are left standing outside in the cold.”
The group, dubbed East Harlem Against Deportation, has sent 1,000 appeal letters collected over the last six months urging Obama to stop the detention and deportation of illegal immigrants, which sometimes tears families apart.
Serrano pointed to Rikers Island, where 13,000 inmates—many of them arrested on minor charges or later found not guilty—have been placed into deportation proceedings since 2004. The policy report calls on the Department of Correction to reassess its collaboration with federal immigration officials.
Foreign-born residents comprise more than 25 percent of the East Harlem population, according to, Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito.
“Throughout its history, East Harlem has not just provided a home to immigrants, but rather helped them flourish and realize the American dream,” said Mark-Viverito.
Serrano’s group released a report that outlined five policy recommendations for New York City and state to protect immigrants and their families. The proposals range from improved visa certification by the police department to the establishment of a dynamic municipal ID card.
“Immigrants are not just an important part of our history but they are vital members our current communities and certainly key to our future as a nation,” said Congressman Charles B. Rangel.
“At the end of the day, a green card or lack thereof, should not get in the way of the humanity we show each other. How we treat our fellow Americans, how we educate them and how we protect their rights is as much an example of the character of this country as it is a matter of sound public policy.”
