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PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Assembly Member Catalina Cruz, New York State Assembly, on Immigrant Rights and Legal Representation

2:43:17

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7 min

Assembly Member Catalina Cruz testified on the importance of two key pieces of legislation: the Access to Representation Act (ARA) and the New York for All Act. She emphasized the critical need for legal representation for immigrants facing removal proceedings and the importance of preventing state resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement.

  • The ARA would guarantee legal representation for low-income New Yorkers facing removal proceedings, potentially benefiting 53,000 New Yorkers and their families.
  • The New York for All Act aims to ensure state and local resources are not used to facilitate federal immigration enforcement, protecting constitutional rights and instilling confidence in public institutions.
  • Cruz highlighted the state's increasing investment in immigrant legal services, from $6.4 million in 2020 to $74 million in 2024, with a goal of over $100 million in the upcoming budget negotiations.