Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Naima Dahir, Budget Advocacy Manager of Arab American Family Support Center
4:30:09
ยท
137 sec
Naima Dahir, representing the Arab American Family Support Center, urgently requests support for community-based organizations serving vulnerable New Yorkers. She highlights the devastating impacts of recent federal policies on immigrant communities and the organization's programs.
- Federal funding freezes have resulted in a $1.1 million shortfall for mental health and domestic violence programs.
- Increased ICE enforcement and targeting of specific communities have led to fear and withdrawal from public benefits.
- The organization has seen an 80% surge in mental health referrals since inauguration day.
Naima Dahir
4:30:09
Good afternoon, Chair Villas and members of the immigration committee.
4:30:13
My name is Naima Dahir and I'm here on behalf of the Arab American Family Support Center as their new budget advocacy manager.
4:30:22
I'm here with an urgent request.
4:30:24
A community based organization like ours need immediate support to continue serving vulnerable New Yorkers.
4:30:30
Just weeks into the new administration, harmful policies are already having devastating impacts.
4:30:35
Our federally funded mental health and domestic violence programs face unprecedented shortfalls of 1,100,000.0 due to funding freezes.
4:30:44
Without intervention, these essential services including counseling and crisis intervention are at risk.
4:30:51
At the same time, immigrant communities are in growing danger.
4:30:55
Recent federal actions, including ramped up ICE enforcement and the targeting of Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, black, and South Asian communities have sown fear.
4:31:05
Families are withdrawing from public benefits, students are afraid to leave shelters, and mental health referrals at the Arab American Family Support Center have surged 80% since inauguration day.
4:31:17
We are responding by expanding mental health and legal services, strengthening security, and training staff to ensure that our spaces remain safe, but we need the city's support.
4:31:29
We urge you to advocate for emergency city funding to help organizations like ours bridge federal funding gaps, publicly reaffirm New York City's commitment to being a sanctuary city by ensuring that the city that city agencies do not cooperate with unjust federal immigration enforcement.
4:31:47
Support legal protections and resources for immigrant communities facing increased enforcement threats and allocate additional fundings to CBOs providing mental health, anti violence, and social services to at risk families.
4:32:01
Now is the time for bold action.
4:32:03
Our communities are in crisis and we cannot stand by as federal policies threaten their safety and stability.
4:32:10
We ask for your partnership to ensure that New York City remains a place of refuge and resilience.
4:32:15
Thank you for your leadership and the opportunity to testify today.
4:32:19
It was my first time ever and I look forward to working together to protect the most vulnerable amongst us.
4:32:25
Thank you so much.