Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Immigration
Apr 15, 2025
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 52 min
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Summary
A hearing on combating immigration services fraud in New York City, focusing on the city's efforts to prevent fraud and support victims.
Discussions included enforcement strategies, outreach efforts, and two proposed bills: Intro 205 to expand education about fraud, and Intro 980 to increase penalties for violations by immigration service providers.
Challenges such as 'fly-by-night' operations and underreporting due to fear and distrust were highlighted.
Features testimony from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), various immigrant advocacy organizations, legal service providers, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Avilés opens the hearing on immigration services fraud
Council Member Alexa Avilés calls the meeting to order and provides introductory remarks for the hearing on combating immigration services fraud. She introduces herself as the chair of the committee …
0:04:38
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59 sec
The significance of immigrants in New York City's population
Council Member Avilés emphasizes the importance of immigrants in New York City, highlighting that the city has always been and will always be a city of immigrants. She provides statistical …
0:05:40
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40 sec
Purpose of the hearing on combating immigration services fraud
Council Member Avilés introduces the main purpose of the hearing, which is to examine the administration's efforts to prevent immigration services fraud and support fraud victims. - The hearing will …
0:06:20
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8 sec
Rising concerns about immigration services fraud in New York
Council Member Avilés highlights the increasing problem of immigration services fraud in New York, noting that complaints have risen over the past year and advocates have been warning about growing …
0:06:29
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26 sec
Impact of Trump administration policies on immigration and fraud vulnerability
Council Member Avilés discusses how the Trump administration's policies have affected immigration and increased vulnerability to fraud. She highlights the destruction of immigration relief and the complications arising from these …
0:06:56
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104 sec
Clarification on the hearing's focus and support for bonafide legal service providers
Council Member Avilés clarifies the focus of the hearing and emphasizes the council's support for legitimate legal service providers. She distinguishes between the hearing's purpose and recent federal actions targeting …
0:08:41
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151 sec
Introduction of legislation to combat immigration services fraud
Council Member Avilés introduces legislation related to combating immigration services fraud, specifically mentioning Introduction 980. - Introduction 980 aims to increase penalties for violations of requirements that apply to immigration …
0:11:13
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21 sec
Acknowledgments and closing remarks by Council Member Avilés
Council Member Alexa Avilés concludes her opening statement by acknowledging the staff involved in organizing the hearing and makes closing remarks. - She thanks committee staff, including senior legislative counsel, …
0:11:34
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49 sec
Council Member Julie Menin opens joint hearing on combating immigration services fraud
Council Member Julie Menin, chair of the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection, opens the joint hearing on combating immigration services fraud and introduces two pieces of legislation. She discusses …
0:12:24
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127 sec
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams addresses immigration fraud and criticizes Mayor Adams' policies
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams delivers remarks on the current state of immigration in New York City, criticizing Mayor Adams' policies and addressing the issue of immigration services fraud. He expresses …
0:14:33
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177 sec
Introduction and overview of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga introduces herself and provides an overview of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). She highlights DCWP's role as a key resource for all New …
0:18:22
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79 sec
DCWP's role in protecting immigrant consumers in New York City
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) protects immigrant consumers in New York City through various means, focusing on regulating immigration service providers and employment agencies. - DCWP enforces …
0:19:43
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56 sec
Challenges in enforcing regulations on immigration service providers
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) faces significant challenges in enforcing regulations on fraudulent immigration service providers and employment agencies due to their elusive nature and the reluctance …
0:20:40
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64 sec
Recent DCWP efforts to support immigrant communities
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has recently escalated efforts to better support immigrant communities in light of recent events. - DCWP convened a roundtable of community leaders …
0:21:44
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58 sec
DCWP's enforcement actions and results against fraudulent providers
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has taken significant enforcement actions against fraudulent immigration service providers and employment agencies, resulting in substantial penalties and consumer protection. - DCWP …
0:22:42
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54 sec
DCWP's educational initiatives for immigrant communities
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) emphasizes the importance of pairing enforcement with education to empower consumers with information to protect themselves from fraud. - DCWP is running …
0:23:37
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54 sec
Discussion of proposed legislation: Intro 205 and Intro 980
Commissioner Mayuga discusses two pieces of proposed legislation related to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's (DCWP) work in combating immigration services fraud. - Intro 205 would require DCWP …
0:24:33
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67 sec
Closing remarks and call to action for New Yorkers
Commissioner Mayuga concludes her testimony by reiterating the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's (DCWP) commitment to assisting all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, and encourages those affected by …
0:25:41
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39 sec
Common types of immigration services fraud and targeted schemes
Council Member Alexa Avilés inquires about the primary types of immigration services fraud observed by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga and other DCWP …
0:26:30
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93 sec
DCWP's approach to investigating fraud on social media platforms
Council Member Alexa Avilés inquires about DCWP's methods for investigating fraud occurring on social media platforms like WhatsApp and WeChat. DCWP representatives explain their approach to handling such cases and …
0:28:04
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3 min
DCWP's capacity and limitations in investigating cyber crimes
Council Member Alexa Avilés inquires about DCWP's in-house capacity to investigate cyber crimes related to immigration services fraud. DCWP representatives explain their limitations and partnerships with other agencies. - DCWP …
0:31:53
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104 sec
DCWP's process for handling specific immigration services fraud cases
Council Member Alexa Avilés presents a specific case of immigration services fraud involving WhatsApp and asks how DCWP would handle it. DCWP representatives explain their process for reviewing and potentially …
0:33:38
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3 min
Importance of outreach and education in preventing immigration services fraud
DCWP representatives discuss the critical role of outreach and education in preventing immigration services fraud, highlighting the significance of Introduction 205 in enhancing these efforts. - Introduction 205 aims to …
0:36:50
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95 sec
Building city capacity to combat social media fraud
Council Member Alexa Avilés questions DCWP about how the city is developing its capacity to track and combat fraud occurring through social media platforms. - Avilés emphasizes the need for …
0:38:25
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76 sec
Recent trends in immigration services fraud complaints
Council Member Alexa Avilés inquires about any changes or trends in immigration services fraud complaints since the recent presidential election. DCWP representatives provide insights on current complaint patterns and their …
0:39:42
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99 sec
Challenges in building trust with immigrant communities
Council Member Alexa Avilés and DCWP representatives discuss the challenges of building trust and awareness in immigrant communities regarding fraud prevention and reporting. - Avilés notes a perceived uptick in …
0:41:22
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64 sec
Council member criticizes MOIA's absence from immigration services fraud hearing
Council Member Julie Menin expresses strong disapproval of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) not attending the hearing on immigration services fraud. She describes their absence as 'appalling' and …
0:42:37
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69 sec
DCWP's proactive and reactive enforcement strategies for immigration services fraud
Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga explains the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's (DCWP) enforcement strategies against immigration services fraud, emphasizing a strong focus on proactive investigations. - DCWP has conducted …
0:43:47
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68 sec
Statistics on DCWP's inspections of immigration service providers since 2022
Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga provides statistics on the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's (DCWP) inspections of immigration service providers (ISPs) since 2022. - DCWP has conducted over 600 inspections …
0:44:55
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89 sec
Methods for receiving complaints about immigration services fraud
Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga explains the various ways the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) receives complaints about immigration services fraud. - Complaints are received through an online portal …
0:46:26
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66 sec
Language accessibility and diverse mechanisms for receiving complaints
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) discusses the language accessibility of their complaint portal and the diverse mechanisms they use to receive complaints about immigration services fraud. - …
0:47:32
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71 sec
Strategies to address distrust and encourage reporting of immigration services fraud
Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga discusses strategies employed by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to address distrust and encourage reporting of immigration services fraud. - DCWP allows complaints …
0:48:43
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109 sec
DCWP's outreach efforts and community engagement
Carlos Ortiz, Assistant Commissioner of External Affairs, details the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's (DCWP) outreach efforts and community engagement strategies. - DCWP has conducted about 2,000 outreach events …
0:50:33
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57 sec
Challenges in converting complaints to OATH cases for immigration services fraud
Michael Tiger, General Counsel for the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), explains the challenges in converting complaints about immigration services fraud into cases at the Office of Administrative …
0:51:31
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97 sec
Council Member Shahana Hanif introduces legislation to combat immigration services fraud
Council Member Shahana Hanif presents her personal connection to immigration issues and introduces Intro 205, a bill aimed at strengthening efforts to combat immigration services fraud in New York City. …
0:53:09
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3 min
Council member reports non-compliance by immigration service providers in Queens
Council Member Gale A. Brewer presents findings from investigations conducted in Queens, revealing widespread non-compliance with city laws by businesses offering immigration-related services. The investigations found issues such as missing …
0:56:32
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46 sec
DCWP's approach to handling non-compliant immigration service providers
DCWP representatives explain their approach to handling non-compliant immigration service providers, emphasizing proactive inspections and partnerships. They detail their inspection process and how they address observed violations. - DCWP conducts …
0:57:19
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93 sec
Collaboration with other agencies for proactive web monitoring of illegal actors
Council Member Brewer inquires about DCWP's collaboration with other agencies, such as the NYPD, Attorney General's office, and District Attorneys, for proactive web monitoring to identify illegal actors in immigration …
0:58:52
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125 sec
Importance of keeping agency websites up-to-date and inter-agency cooperation
Council Member Brewer raises concerns about keeping agency websites up-to-date, particularly mentioning MOIA's website. DCWP representatives discuss their approach to maintaining their website and collaborating with other agencies on information …
1:00:57
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75 sec
DCWP's process for connecting fraud victims with legal service providers
Council Member Avilés inquires about DCWP's process for connecting individuals impacted by immigration services fraud with trusted legal service providers. DCWP representatives explain that they refer victims to MOIA's legal …
1:02:14
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46 sec
Criticism of MOIA's outdated website and referral system
Council Member Avilés expresses concern about MOIA's outdated website and ineffective referral system for immigration services. She suggests that DCWP should refer people directly to legal service providers instead of …
1:03:01
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46 sec
DCWP's decision-making process for directing immigrant victims of fraud
Council Member Avilés inquires about DCWP's process for determining where to direct immigrant victims of fraud services. Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga explains the agency's approach to assessing cases and making …
1:03:48
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115 sec
Follow-up experiences with referred victims
Council Member Avilés inquires about DCWP's experience with follow-up calls from people who couldn't get in touch with legal service providers. DCWP representatives claim they haven't had such experiences and …
1:05:43
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70 sec
Challenges in meeting the high demand for legal services
Council Member Avilés addresses the significant gap between the demand for legal services and the city's investment in providing them. She emphasizes that this is a well-known issue that needs …
1:06:54
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34 sec
DCWP's language capabilities and monitoring of fraud in different languages
Council Member Avilés inquires about DCWP's ability to monitor immigration services fraud targeting New Yorkers in different languages. DCWP representatives explain their language capabilities and approach to multilingual monitoring and …
1:07:30
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114 sec
DCWP staffing and language diversity
Council Member Avilés seeks clarification on DCWP's staffing numbers and language capabilities. DCWP representatives provide information about the agency's workforce and linguistic diversity. - DCWP has approximately 400 active employees …
1:09:25
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46 sec
Recent surge in immigration service provider inspections
Council Member Avilés inquires about the recent surge in immigration service provider inspections conducted by DCWP. Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga explains that this was a unique circumstance and part of …
1:10:11
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95 sec
Process of issuing summonses and follow-up on inspection results
Michael Tiger, General Counsel for DCWP, explains the process of issuing summonses and following up on inspection results. He emphasizes that this is an ongoing process with multiple steps. - …
1:11:46
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42 sec
Discussion on regular (non-surge) inspection levels for immigration services
Council Member Avilés inquires about the regular, non-surge inspection levels for immigration services. DCWP representatives explain their approach to ongoing inspections and enforcement. - DCWP is still evaluating the results …
1:12:29
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101 sec
Concerns about staffing limitations and consistent enforcement
Council Member Avilés expresses concerns about DCWP's staffing limitations and the impact on consistent enforcement. She emphasizes the need for understanding the general cadence of enforcement to prevent predictable patterns …
1:14:12
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91 sec
Request for district-specific inspection data and focus on vulnerable communities
Council Member Avilés requests district-specific inspection data and emphasizes the need for focused enforcement in vulnerable communities, particularly the Chinese community. DCWP agrees to provide the requested data. - Council …
1:15:43
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21 sec
Council member inquires about budget allocation for immigration services fraud outreach
Council Member Shahana Hanif asks Commissioner Mayuga about the current budget allocation for immigration services fraud outreach. She inquires about how funds are spent on outreach materials, workshops, and resource …
1:16:06
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53 sec
DCWP commissioner explains current outreach strategies and materials
Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga explains DCWP's current outreach strategies and materials in response to Council Member Hanif's questions. She discusses the agency's approach to outreach, including days of action, partnerships, …
1:17:09
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129 sec
Discussion of Introduction 205 and its budgetary implications
Carlos Ortiz provides detailed information about Introduction 205 and its budgetary implications. He outlines the anticipated costs, including new staff positions and advertising campaigns. - The bill would require approximately …
1:19:17
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103 sec
Council member addresses impact of federal policies on immigrant communities
Council Member Shahana Hanif addresses the impact of federal policies on immigrant communities, highlighting the challenges faced by these communities and the city's role in addressing them. - Hanif emphasizes …
1:21:01
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87 sec
DCWP's outreach team structure and activities explained
Carlos Ortiz explains the structure and activities of DCWP's outreach team in response to Council Member Hanif's questions. He describes the team's focus areas and outreach methods. - The outreach …
1:22:28
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74 sec
Community engagement and partnerships in DCWP's outreach efforts
Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga describes DCWP's community engagement and partnerships in outreach efforts, responding to Council Member Hanif's questions about working with community leaders and digital media engagement. - DCWP …
1:23:44
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98 sec
Evaluation methods for DCWP's outreach efforts
Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga explains the evaluation methods used by DCWP to assess the effectiveness of their outreach efforts in response to Council Member Hanif's questions. - The agency sets …
1:25:22
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59 sec
Collaboration between DCWP and MOIA on immigration services
Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga and Carlos Ortiz explain the collaboration between DCWP and MOIA on immigration services in response to Council Member Hanif's questions. - DCWP refers individuals to providers …
1:26:21
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84 sec
Advocacy efforts at the state and federal level for immigrant services
Carlos Ortiz briefly discusses DCWP's advocacy efforts at the state and federal level in response to Council Member Hanif's question, focusing on guidance for the free tax prep program. - …
1:27:46
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37 sec
Council Member Menin questions DCWP on referrals to MOIA and fraud victim follow-up
Council Member Julie Menin questions Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga and Assistant Commissioner Carlos Ortiz from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) about referrals to the Mayor's Office of …
1:28:32
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135 sec
Council Member Rita C. Joseph questions DCWP on immigration services fraud prevention efforts
Council Member Rita C. Joseph engages in a Q&A session with representatives from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) regarding their efforts to combat immigration services fraud. The …
1:30:49
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3 min
Council member inquires about the Immigration Services Task Force composition and leadership
Council Member Alexa Avilés questions DCWP representatives about the Immigration Services Task Force, seeking clarification on its composition and leadership. The DCWP team explains their participation in the task force …
1:34:10
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79 sec
Council member inquires about DCWP's budget for outreach and education campaigns
Council Member Alexa Avilés questions DCWP representatives about their budget for outreach and education campaigns related to immigration services fraud. The DCWP team provides information on current staffing and potential …
1:35:29
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105 sec
DCWP discusses collaboration efforts with district attorneys' offices
DCWP representatives explain their efforts to collaborate with district attorneys' offices on immigration services fraud cases. They highlight recent initiatives to strengthen these relationships and improve communication channels. - DCWP …
1:37:14
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39 sec
DCWP outlines tools needed to combat immigration services fraud
DCWP representatives discuss the tools and strategies needed to effectively address immigration services fraud. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders. - DCWP stresses the …
1:37:54
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140 sec
DCWP explains timeframe for enforcement actions against immigration services fraud
DCWP representatives discuss the typical timeframe for enforcement actions against immigration services fraud, from issuing summonses to final adjudication at OATH. They highlight the challenges in the process and the …
1:40:15
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129 sec
Council member inquires about DCWP's efforts to track fraudulent immigration websites
Council Member Alexa Avilés questions DCWP about their efforts to track fraudulent websites related to immigration cases, particularly those mimicking official government sites. DCWP representatives acknowledge the issue but admit …
1:42:28
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109 sec
Discussion of new scams targeting immigrants, including fake deportation notices
Council Member Alexa Avilés raises concerns about new scams targeting immigrants, particularly fake deportation notices. DCWP representatives acknowledge awareness of these issues and discuss potential approaches to address them. - …
1:44:16
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107 sec
Council member calls for proactive enforcement and increased investment in DCWP's capacity
Council Member Alexa Avilés concludes the hearing with closing remarks, emphasizing the need for proactive enforcement and increased investment in DCWP's capacity to combat immigration services fraud. - Avilés encourages …
1:46:05
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39 sec
Testimony by Anonymous Member of La Colmena on Immigration Services and Community Support
An anonymous member of La Colmena, an immigrants' rights organization in Staten Island, testifies about the fear and uncertainty in the immigrant community regarding new immigration registry and deportation risks. …
1:50:21
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119 sec
Testimony by Mixteca Member on Immigration Attorney Fraud
A member of Mixteca testifies about their experience of fraud and mistreatment by an immigration attorney. The witness describes a series of abusive interactions, including verbal harassment, discriminatory comments, and …
1:52:45
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8 min
Testimony by Madeline Bravo, Legal Services Coordinator at La Colmena
Madeline Bravo from La Colmena, an immigrant rights organization in Staten Island, testified about the challenges faced by immigrant communities and the need for protection against fraudulent immigration services. She …
2:03:07
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111 sec
Testimony by Hildalyn Colon, Deputy Director of New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE)
Hildalyn Colon, Deputy Director of NICE, testifies on the importance of proposed legislation to combat immigration services fraud, highlighting the need for consistent standards across all service providers and the …
2:05:07
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136 sec
Clarification on bad actors in immigration services
Council Member Alexa Avilés seeks clarification from Hildalyn Colon about the presence of bad actors in both for-profit and non-profit immigration service providers. Colon explains the need for standards and …
2:07:28
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140 sec
Discussion on capacity and registration in immigration services
Council Member Alexa Avilés and Hildalyn Colon discuss the challenges of capacity in providing immigration services and the suggestion for a registration system. Colon elaborates on the different levels of …
2:09:48
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59 sec
Testimony by Jorge Paz Reyes, Community Organizer at Mixteca
Jorge Paz Reyes, a community organizer from Mixteca, testifies about the importance of combating immigration fraud and the challenges faced by immigrant communities. He emphasizes the need for better education …
2:10:49
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171 sec
Council Member Avilés thanks previous speakers and acknowledges their work
Council Member Alexa Avilés expresses gratitude to the previous speakers for their work in challenging circumstances. She acknowledges that they deal with both the emotional aspects and the challenges faced …
2:13:42
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23 sec
Testimony by Nick Gulotta, Chief of Staff to Council Member Julie Won, on Immigration Services Fraud
Nick Gulotta, testifying in his personal capacity, advocates for passing Intros 980 and 205 to protect immigrants from fraud and scams in New York City. He emphasizes the need for …
2:15:35
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160 sec
Council member's remarks on addressing immigration services fraud
Council Member Alexa Avilés responds to Nick Gulotta's testimony, expressing support for his suggestions to combat immigration services fraud. She agrees with the idea of creating a 'shame list' for …
2:18:16
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49 sec
Discussion on proactive approaches to combat immigration services fraud
Council Member Alexa Avilés engages in a brief Q&A with Nick Gulotta about the current complaint-driven approach to addressing immigration services fraud and the need for more proactive measures. - …
2:19:05
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51 sec
Testimony by Natalia Nunez Barragan, Senior Manager of Membership and Capacity Building at Immigrant ARC, on Immigration Services Fraud
Natalia Nunez Barragan from Immigrant ARC testified on the issue of immigration services fraud and its impact on immigrant communities in New York. She highlighted the current challenges faced by …
2:20:02
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4 min
Testimony by Anonymous Member of La Colmena on Immigration Services Fraud
An anonymous member of La Colmena shared their personal experience of being defrauded by someone posing as an immigration attorney. The victim paid over $1,500 for a falsified asylum application …
2:24:44
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4 min
Testimony by Deborah Lee, Attorney in Charge of the Immigration Law Unit at The Legal Aid Society, on Immigration Services Fraud
Deborah Lee from The Legal Aid Society testifies about the increasing vulnerability of non-citizens to immigration services fraud due to the current federal administration's hostile policies. She emphasizes the need …
2:30:10
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120 sec
Testimony by Hannah Strauss, Supervising Attorney of Immigration Court Help Desk and Family Group Legal Orientation Programs at Catholic Charities Community Services
Hannah Strauss from Catholic Charities Community Services testified about the Immigration Court Help Desk and Family Group Legal Orientation Program, which are ending due to federal contract termination. She shared …
2:33:02
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162 sec
Testimony by Marc Valinoti, Assistant Director of Immigrant and DV Services at Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation
Marc Valinoti from the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation testified about common practices of immigration services fraud, highlighting the prevalence of simplistic schemes that promise employment authorization and paths to green …
2:35:51
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150 sec
Council Member Brewer inquires about Catholic Charities' funding cuts
Council Member Gale A. Brewer asks Hannah Strauss from Catholic Charities about their recent funding cuts and their plans to maintain their work. Strauss explains that they are seeking alternative …
2:38:25
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39 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown on Combating Immigration Fraud
Sharon Brown provides testimony on combating immigration fraud, emphasizing the need for a database to identify and track individuals crossing the border. She suggests using videos and pictures for identification …
2:40:21
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129 sec
Testimony by Raul Rivera, Member of the Public
Raul Rivera, a member of the public, presented a critical testimony directed at Council Member Alexa Aviles, chair of the immigration committee. Rivera expressed concerns about Aviles' priorities, associations, and …
2:42:33
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123 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson on Immigration Services Fraud
Christopher Leon Johnson provides testimony on immigration services fraud, criticizing the role of unions and the city council in perpetuating the problem. He argues for more direct involvement from the …
2:44:58
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120 sec
Testimony by Alice Davis, Deputy Director of Catholic Migration Services
Alice Davis, Deputy Director of Catholic Migration Services, testifies in support of bills 205 and 980 to combat immigration services fraud. She highlights the need for additional protections for immigrant …
2:47:14
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128 sec
Testimony by Stephanie Rovine, Program and Development Director of The Healing Center
Stephanie Rovine, Program and Development Director of The Healing Center, testifies about the importance of continued funding for their organization, which supports immigrant survivors of gender-based violence. She emphasizes the …
2:49:32
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123 sec