Queens Immigrants Launch Political Platform for 2020 Elections of the Year

The platform is aimed at empowering immigrants and encouraging lawmakers to promote relevant reforms at the state level. This publication writes AM New York.

Make The Road New York, an immigrant rights organization in Queens, New York, has launched a platform called Respect and Dignity.

The coalition for the rights of immigrants unveiled the corresponding campaign on November 19. It aims to support state legislators next year, designed to protect New Yorkers of foreign origin and help them achieve success in this city.

What does the program offer

According to the promulgated program, the coalition calls on the state to pass a law that restricts US immigration and customs control (ICE) employees from accessing courthouses and needs good reasons to evict immigrants.

In addition, the law plans to end discriminatory practices in schools and restore protection for workers.

It is also proposed to tax the wealthy to finance vital services - medical, educational and housing.

What immigrants complain about

One woman, Patricia Rivera, who attended a program presentation, described how her landlord in East Elmhurst raised her rent to $ 1000 when she was pregnant. He also refused to negotiate with her and did not allow her to stay in the apartment until the birth of her baby.

“He was constantly looking for new pretexts to try to drive us out of the apartment before that (before the birth of the child. - Ed.), ”Rivera said through the translator. She noted that she felt powerless, unable to protect her rights as a tenant.

After moving, a woman lives in a crowded place with friends, family and three daughters. However, she continues to face a constant increase in rents.

“Rents increased by $ 150 a month ago,” she annoyed.

Rivera said that having a “good reason” law for eviction would help her and other tenants resist any homeowner who tried to push them out of the house.

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Queens transgender woman Katie Garcia has also called for greater protection for the trans community.

“We should be able to express ourselves and go everywhere without being persecuted simply because we are trans,” she said after the rally.

The The Oshiro, deputy director of Make The Road New York, said many immigrant communities live in fear of being harassed by ICE officials who have increased their presence in local courts.

According to Oshiro, the Respect and Dignity platform will expand the capabilities of community members and encourage lawmakers to facilitate the implementation of desired reforms at the legislative level.

He emphasized that the allies of Make The Road in New York have leverage over local politicians, acting on behalf of the immigrant population of New York.

Oshiro also mentioned one of the biggest victories of the coalition for immigrant rights this year. This is a law adopted by the state, which allows the issuance of a driver's license to immigrants.

“We still have a lot of work to do, we must continue to fight,” he said in conclusion.