Proposed legislation would make New York a sanctuary state

FRITZ MAYER
Posted 4/24/19

ALBANY, NY — Legislation proposed by State Sen. Jose Serrano Jr. would prevent law enforcement from holding non-documented immigrants for deportation by federal officials unless the immigrants …

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Proposed legislation would make New York a sanctuary state

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ALBANY, NY — Legislation proposed by State Sen. Jose Serrano Jr. would prevent law enforcement from holding non-documented immigrants for deportation by federal officials unless the immigrants had been convicted of a serious or violent crime in recent years. 

The bill is called the “Dignity for Immigrants in New York State Act,” and has been introduced in the past but has never made it out of committee for a vote by the full senate.

Several cities throughout New York have already declared themselves as sanctuary cities, including some in the Hudson Valley, but if approved, Serrano’s bill, which was introduced late last week, would extend those protections statewide.

The legislation says “this act will ensure concerns about public safety, which is the primary concern of local law enforcement, is prioritized above concerns of immigration status, which is a uniquely federal responsibility.”

Some Republican lawmakers oppose the legislation. Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb issued a statement that said, “The sanctuary state proposal is just the latest example of political posturing that should be kept far away from public policy.”

The proposal comes as President Donald Trump has proposed releasing undocumented immigrants into sanctuary cities such as New York City and San Francisco.

news, legislation, sanctuary state, New York, immigrants

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