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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Andrew Santa Ana, Deputy Director of Research and Policy at Asian American Federation
5:16:49
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124 sec
Andrew Santa Ana from the Asian American Federation testified about the challenges faced by Asian New Yorkers, particularly those in mixed-status families, in accessing city services and the importance of community-based organizations in addressing these issues. He emphasized the need for linguistically and culturally competent services, especially in light of anti-immigrant and anti-Asian sentiment.
- Highlighted that one in three Asian New Yorkers live in low-income households, contrary to the model minority stereotype
- Expressed concerns about the impact of current political and legal environment on Asian communities' willingness to engage with city services
- Urged support for community-based organizations serving Asian New Yorkers
Andrew Santa Ana
5:16:49
Thank you chairs Steven, chair Brannan, and the committees on children and youth and finance for holding this budget hearing.
5:16:54
My name is Andrew Santa Ana and I'm the deputy director of research and policy at the Asian American Federation which represents over 70 nonprofits serving 1,500,000 Asian New Yorkers.
5:17:03
Raising a child in New York City has always been incredibly difficult.
5:17:06
It takes more than a village.
5:17:07
It includes parents, aunties, uncles, grandparents, godparents, supportive communities, trusted community based organizations, and for government agencies like ACS and DYC to be responsive.
5:17:18
This pattern of using a village to raise a community of children has existed for generations and is especially true for Asian New Yorkers.
5:17:25
Asian New Yorkers comprise a significant portion of the city's population and are fastest growing.
5:17:31
And contrary to the model minority stereotype that oversimplifies our community as hugely successful, one in three live in low income households.
5:17:38
We have high rates of limited English proficiency and high percentage of family members that are living without citizenship or immigration status.
5:17:44
Today, in our current economic, political, and legal environment, we wanna raise the urgent needs of children and mixed status families.
5:17:51
Notably, the demand for linguistically and culturally competent legal services and community services is important.
5:17:57
Asian Yorkers are living in fear, unable or reluctant to engage in city services, access public benefits, contact emergency services, attend school, travel via public transit, or seek medical care.
5:18:08
What's more, anti immigrant and anti Asian rhetoric actions have made impacts on mental health and fears of violence even worse.
5:18:14
Indeed, in ordinary times, many Asian Yorkers have many challenges accessing city services due to limited language access and culturally competent services.
5:18:23
It's not a secret that many Asian Yorkers, like many other communities, have viewed agencies like ACS courts and law enforcement with deep skepticism.
5:18:31
In an environment with concerns about unlawful ICE enforcement and cooperation amongst other government agencies, the circumstances have become more dire.
5:18:38
Community based organizations have been crucial in bridging the support for these services.
5:18:44
So I'll include more detailed comments in my written testimony, but I ask you to urge you to serve and uplift the community based organizations serving this community.
5:18:53
Thank you.