Res. No. 996
Title
Resolution calling for immigration reform that provides fair opportunities for persons to apply for legalization of immigration status and citizenship; reiterating the City Council's commitment to working together in coalitions with immigrant, labor, community, business and religious groups to protect the rights of New York's immigrant families; and endorsing the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride, which will arrive in New York on October 4, 2003 at Flushing Meadow Park in the great borough of Queens and is designed to draw attention to the importance of immigrant rights.
Body
By Council Members Perkins, The Speaker (Council Member Miller) and Council Members Liu, Barron, Clarke, Comrie, Dilan, Foster, Gerson, Gioia, Katz, Lopez, Martinez, McMahon, Monserrate, Nelson, Quinn, Rivera, Seabrook, Serrano, Stewart, Weprin, DeBlasio, Brewer, Jackson, Boyland, Gennaro and the Public Advocate (Ms. Gotbaum)
Whereas, We affirm the inherent dignity of all people in the workplace, regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or alienage or citizenship status, and expect equality and justice for all; and
Whereas, The City of New York is the planned destination and home to millions of immigrants and refugees who make vital contributions to our economy, our communities and our neighborhoods; and
Whereas, Immigrants and their children contribute to New York by providing workers and leaders vital to our City's future; and
Whereas, The City of New York has worked to protect the rights of all immigrants; recent legislation enacted by the Council of the City of New York includes the living wage law, legislation that protects domestic and household employees, and legislation expanding education and training opportunities available to people seeking work opportunities; and
Whereas, Immigrants are engaged in all sectors of our economy: they include doctors, lawyers and other professionals in all walks of life; immigrant workers include persons who clean offices, care for children and the elderly, work in restaurants and hotels, and labor in fields and factories; nearly 50,000 immigrants defend our country in the armed forces; and
Whereas, Our nation's immigration laws, at times, force immigrants and their families - who work hard and pay taxes - to live in fear of being deported for simply going to work each day; and
Whereas, Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, hard-working immigrants have, at times faced increased discrimination at work and in their communities simply for what they believe or where they come from; and
Whereas, Current immigration policies and practices often require families to wait long periods - sometimes up to twenty years - to be reunited with their families or to obtain proper work and travel documentation; and
Whereas, Despite broad public support for immigration reform that rewards work, the progress that immigrant organizations, labor unions, business groups and religious leaders have made in building bipartisan political support for immigration reform has been stalled; and
Whereas, Essential protections for workers include concerns for health and safety hazards on the job, wage and hour violations and rights to organize and improve working conditions; and
Whereas, We need immigration laws that respect dignity, reflect the realities of America's 21st century workforce, reward work, prevent exploitation and keep families together; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls for immigration reform that that provides fair opportunities for persons to apply for legalization of immigration status and citizenship; reiterates it commitment to working together in coalitions with immigrant, labor, community, business and religious groups to protect the rights of New York's immigrant families; and endorses the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride, which will arrive in New York on October 4, 2003 at Flushing Meadow Park in the great borough of Queens and is designed to draw attention to the importance of immigrant rights.
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