PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Manuela Osorio, Digital Organizer at Latino Justice PRLDEF, on New York City's Role in National Immigration Landscape
5:28:38
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Manuela Osorio, a permanent resident and digital organizer for Latino Justice PRLDEF, addressed the New York City Council regarding the city's role in protecting immigrants and the need for stronger pro-immigrant policies in the face of national challenges. She emphasized the importance of New York City's leadership in immigrant protection and called for specific legislative actions.
- Urged the council to pass resolutions supporting the NY for All Act and Access to Representation Act
- Advocated for the introduction and passage of Intro 214 to address violations of immigrant protection laws
- Highlighted the need for New York to push back against anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies sweeping the country
Manuela Osorio
5:28:38
Thank you.
5:28:40
Good afternoon.
5:28:40
My name is Manuela Osorio.
5:28:42
I'm here today both as a permanent resident seeking citizenship in the United States as well as a digital organizer for the National Civil Rights Organization, Latino Justice Proldef.
5:28:53
I wanna speak to the council today about the role that New York City plays in the national immigration landscape.
5:28:58
For decades, New York City has been a front runner in protecting its immigrant population by limiting interactions between federal immigration authorities and New York City local agency.
5:29:08
Today, we have talked about common violations.
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With the threat of mass deportations from the Trump administration and the antagonism towards immigrants from mayor Adams and governor Hochul, the New York City Council must address the challenges ahead.
5:29:21
The council must pass the resolutions to support the state bills New York for all act and access to representation act.
5:29:28
The council should also introduce and pass intro 214, which addresses harm that flows from violations of our immigrant protection laws.
5:29:36
To speak to the national perspective, years of unjust and racist federal immigration policies have created massive challenges for progressive local governments.
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The current US border policies have resulted in cruel and predatory practices against thousands of people who have endured immense struggles to secure a better life for themselves and for their families.
5:29:57
We can expect that the Trump administration will expand collaboration with the anti immigrant administrations of Greg Abbott in Texas and Republican state lawmakers in border states like Arizona and New Mexico and Florida.
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That means that New York must strongly push back against the anti immigrant rhetoric and policies sweeping our country.
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At Latino Justice, we're advocating against hateful anti immigration policies in the south, especially in Texas and Florida.
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Other states look to New York to see what we are doing for progressive policies.
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New York State, a Democratic trifecta, and the city of New York have to continue being accountable and hold their obligations to all members of its constituency because here, we have real opportunities for pro immigrant policies.
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The failure of congress and past presidents to create a humane and inclusive immigration system has galvanized us now to fight hard to make sure all New Yorkers have a viable path to live, work, build a family, and stay in New York.
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We will not abandon our neighbors.
5:30:57
We can and we will build a future where all of us can live healthy and dignified lives in this city and this country.
5:31:03
Thank you.