Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Madeline Bravo, Legal Services Coordinator at La Colmena
2:03:07
ยท
111 sec
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 expressed support for Intro 205 and Intro 980 to combat exploitation and misinformation.
- La Colmena offers community sessions and consultations to provide accurate information to immigrants.
- Cases of fraud include individuals paying over $3,000 to fake attorneys claiming to expedite citizenship processes.
- Recent concerns include confusion over new immigrant registry requirements, which makes people vulnerable to exploitation.
Madeline Bravo
2:03:07
Good afternoon chair and council members.
2:03:10
My name is Madeline Bravo, and I am the legal services coordinator at La Cormena, an immigrant rights organization proudly rooted in Staten Island.
2:03:22
At La Cormena, we hold regular community sessions to hear directly from our community, listening to their fears and questions.
2:03:30
With the support of our trusted consultant attorneys, we also offer consultations to provide accurate, reliable information.
2:03:39
Too often our community comes to us after encountering misinformation, especially online and through word-of-mouth.
2:03:48
In some cases community members have paid over $3,000 and have been misled by individuals claiming to be attorneys.
2:03:56
Claiming that they can offer a sped up citizenship process, going as far as creating fake USCIS documents and impersonating judges.
2:04:08
More recently, we've seen people arriving at our doors with deportation notices or unsure how to navigate the new immigrant registry requirements.
2:04:17
These situations create fear and confusion, and in that confusion, people become vulnerable to exploitation.
2:04:24
We are gravely concerned that predatory actors will exploit this vulnerability, preying on our community by offering false promises and charging outrageous fees, putting people's future at serious risk.
2:04:38
This is why we fully support intro o two zero five and intro o nine eight zero.
2:04:44
These measures are critical to protect our immigrant communities from fraud and abuse.
2:04:50
We urge this council to continue standing with us and to never forget Staten Island, and thank you for your time and for your commitment to justice.