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Speaker Mark-Viverito: “DHS and private contractors have deprived civil immigration detainees of basic physical and legal rights without consequence”

NEW YORK – In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and ICE’s Director, Sarah R. Saldañal, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito today urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S.

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Public-Private Partnership Which Provides Free Access To An Attorney Has Won 72 Asylum Cases and 47 Children Have Obtained Lawful Permanent Residency

Speaker Mark-Viverito: “We’re living up to our highest ideals by protecting these children”

NEW YORK – New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and City Council Immigration Chair Carlos Menchaca announced today that to date the New York City Council’s unaccompanied minors initiative has won 60 asylum cases and 41children have obtained lawful permanent residency.

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“This is a tremendously sad day for immigrants across the country who will be forced to remain in the shadows. It is now more urgent than ever for Congress to act on comprehensive immigration reform -we can’t wait any longer. I also urge President Obama to cease immigration raids.

“This decision is disheartening and only fuels the hateful rhetoric that has been spewed by those who believe that immigrants are less deserving of a better life for themselves and their families.

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“Today, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments about one of the most consequential cases of our lifetime. At stake is the immigration status of millions of undocumented immigrants who pay taxes, contribute to our economy and who help our city and country run. Undocumented New Yorkers are part of the New York family.

For too long, undocumented immigrants and families have lived in the shadows with the fear of deportation looming.

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Statement by Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito:

“This is a critical case for the future of our country. At a time when some are proposing mass deportations and building walls, our immigrant communities have been living in fear. More than one year ago, President Obama signed an administrative relief plan which brought millions of undocumented immigrants out of limbo by shielding them from deportation and giving them status.

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