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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Leidis De La Rosa, Organizing Coordinator at La Colmena
5:44:36
ยท
112 sec
Leidis De La Rosa from La Colmena, an immigrant rights organization on Staten Island, testifies about the critical need for continued support from the city council for their work with immigrant communities. She highlights the challenges faced by immigrants and the organization's efforts to provide support and empowerment.
- La Colmena faces unique challenges on Staten Island, including lack of support from local elected officials and security concerns.
- The organization provides services such as ICE interaction preparation, wage theft protection, and discrimination support.
- De La Rosa emphasizes the importance of partnership and commitment from the city council to continue their mission.
Leidis De La Rosa
5:44:36
Good afternoon, chairwomen and council members.
5:44:39
My name is Lady Stella Rosa and I'm the organizing coordinator for La Cormena, an immigrant rights organization based on Staten Island.
5:44:46
Our mission is to empower the immigrant worker through education, culture, organizing, and economic development.
5:44:52
For years, Cormena has stood unapologetically with our immigrant community after often facing hostility and resistance.
5:45:00
Yet, we remain steadfast because we know how critical this work is.
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We've built a sanctuary of support, resilience, and empowerment, but we cannot do it alone.
5:45:09
Today, I'm here to remind you all of the viral importance of insurance.
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Dalla Cormena and other nonprofits continue to receive the unwavering support in this from this council now more than ever.
5:45:21
We have been equipping our community members with tools to navigate ICE interactions and preparing them with the power of attorney in case of the deportation proceedings.
5:45:30
But, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
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Our immigrant neighbors face not only the threat of deportation, but also wage theft, discrimination, and harassment.
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We've even had to take in up security at our own facilities as we face opposition from those who disagree with the work with West Staten Island.
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It is not easy to operate under these conditions, but we refuse to back down.
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Unlike other boroughs, we do not get openly elected officials, support from our own borough and it makes our work difficult.
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This is why La Comana exists to remind every immigrant on Staten Island that they are not alone.
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We are here to fight for them, stand with them, and uplift them.
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But to continue this critical mission, we need your partnership and your commitment in supporting La Colmena.
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Thank you for your time, for your support, and for standing with us as we continue this fight for justice and for dignity for all and together we believe that we can build a stronger, more inclusive Staten Island in New York.