File #: Res 1183-2019    Version: * Name: Dept of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status designation for the Bahamas in the aftermath of the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Immigration
On agenda: 12/10/2019
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the Department of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status designation for the Bahamas in the aftermath of the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.
Sponsors: Mathieu Eugene, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams
Council Member Sponsors: 2
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 1183, 2. December 10, 2019 - Stated Meeting Agenda with Links to Files, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 12-10-19, 4. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - December 10, 2019

Res. No. 1183

 

Resolution calling upon the Department of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status designation for the Bahamas in the aftermath of the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.

 

Council Member Eugene and the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams)

 

                     Whereas, On September 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian made landfall as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane on the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas, when it moved to strike and stall over Grand Bahama Island as a Category 5 hurricane for over 40 hours, before changing course to track north alongside the Eastern coast of the United States on September 3, 2019; and

                     Whereas, Hurricane Dorian has been recorded as having the strongest hurricane wind speed to make landfall in the North Atlantic Ocean Basin since recordkeeping began in the late 1800’s; and

Whereas, Hurricane Dorian tracked only 25 miles within a 24 hour period, making it the slowest-moving and therefore one of the most destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes in recorded history; and

                     Whereas, The impact of Hurricane Dorian resulted in tremendous loss of life and property damage in the Bahamas and created for many what remain as life-threatening conditions; and

                     Whereas, The Trump Administration has asserted that it will not continue the decades-old practice of extending a form of humanitarian relief know as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), to foreigners in the United States whose home countries are deemed unsafe due to extraordinary circumstances such as war or, as in the case for Bahamians affected by Hurricane Dorian, natural disasters; and

                     Whereas, According to the Bahamian American Association, New York City is home to approximately 36,000 Bahamians with family members who may be affected by Hurricane Dorian; and

Whereas, The damage wrought upon the Bahamas by the storm will have an adverse impact upon the nation for months and years to come, including prolonged hardship for people, who if forced to return, would be subject to untold dangerous conditions because of the catastrophic challenges created in the wake of Hurricane Dorian; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, The Council of the City of New York calls upon the Department of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status designation for the Bahamas in the aftermath of the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.

CD

LS12288

11/8/19