PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Alexandra Millatmal, Community Organizer from Afghans For A Better Tomorrow
5:34:31
ยท
170 sec
Alexandra Millatmal, representing Afghans For A Better Tomorrow, urged the NYC City Council to oppose Trump's proposed immigration policies and support resolutions protecting asylum seekers. She shared experiences of Afghan refugees in NYC and called for non-cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- Emphasized the need for passing the Access to Representation Act and the New York For All Act
- Highlighted the contributions of Afghan immigrants to NYC's community
- Called for rejection of mass detention and deportation plans, advocating for freedom and legal protection for Afghan refugees
Alexandra Millatmal
5:34:31
Yes.
5:34:31
Thank you.
5:34:33
Thank you.
5:34:34
Thank you for the option to join in virtually.
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I was there earlier, but had to be pulled away for another obligation.
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And good afternoon, and thank you for the opportunity to testify.
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My name is Alexandra Molotmol, and I am a daughter of immigrants from, Afghanistan and Germany.
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And I am also a community organizer with Afghans For A Better Tomorrow, an Afghan led advocacy organization.
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I'm here to strongly urge the city council and the city of New York not only to approach the cruel policies proposed by President Trump to target, detain, and deport people seeking asylum in the United States, but to affirm and support the resolutions put forth by chair Aviles and others.
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Since 2023, we have supported nearly 1200 Afghans and other asylum seekers in the city.
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Our community members have fled famine, brutal persecution, and climate devastation, conditions all created or worsened by US policies.
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These families are humble and kind.
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They look out for and help one another and have had little rest from doing so even after arriving to relative safety.
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Now they face and fear the threat of a Trump administration.
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One mother of 2 who legally prosecuted members of the Taliban back in Afghanistan said, my family and I are hopeful that the city of New York will use any and all measures to protect and defend us from any potential harm.
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We deserve dignity, respect, and a chance to live in safety and security in this country.
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Today, I speak on behalf of our community and organization to urge the city not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement whatsoever.
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Furthermore, immediate passage of the Access to Representation Act and the New York For All Act are crucial in ensuring that newly arrived Afghans can find a pathway to safety and permanent legal status in this country.
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The folks we assist are part of New York City's fabric.
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They are translators, people who deliver and prepare your food, servers, students.
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In our community
UNKNOWN
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The time has expired.
5:36:41
Thank you.
Alexa Aviles
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You can For the years finish up.
Kelly Yzique Zea
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You can finish up.
Alexa Aviles
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Yeah.
5:36:47
Sorry.
Alexandra Millatmal
5:36:47
Thank you.
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Thank you.
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I appreciate it.
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In our community, those who came to the US just 12 months ago are the ones that are helping those who arrived a few weeks ago.
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I urge the mayor and city council to reject the fascist and racist plans of mass detention and deportation heralded by the incoming administration.
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Afghans who seek safety in the country that helped displace them deserve freedom and legal protection.
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Not to have to again live in fear of a brutal police force looking to separate their families, replicating the repression they left in Afghanistan.
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Thank you so much.