FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kristia Winter
718-629-2900 / KWinter@council.nyc.gov

BROOKLYN, NY – New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis issued the following statement after the Trump Administration proposed changes to the public charge rule that would drastically reduce the number of immigrants who could obtain green cards.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER FARAH N. LOUIS

“As the daughter of Haitian immigrants who now proudly represents a primarily immigrant district in the New York City Council, I am outraged that immigrants remain under the scope of the Trump Administration,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis.

“Immigrants are not a threat to American society or our way of life; they are hard-working individuals whose sole priority is to achieve the American Dream. Known worldwide as the land of opportunity, this right has become a privilege for a select few. The systemic xenophobia and racial discrimination from the Trump Administration has villainized immigrants who now live in fear within the shadows of our community.

“The proposed public rule change will disenfranchise thousands of immigrants, exacerbate homelessness and poverty, while forcing many families to go hungry or forego medical treatment to gain lawful status. These impossible choices are only indicative of the cruelty of this policy and the burden that it unfairly places on immigrants who are already struggling to survive.

“The 45th Council District, like many communities throughout the City of New York, is heavily comprised of immigrants who have made incredible sacrifices to rebuild their lives in a foreign land. No one should be penalized for their reliance on public assistance, particularly when their national origin is used to bar them from opportunities for advancement. I urge lawmakers to expand rather than restrict the path towards citizenship for the millions unheard and unseen.”

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District which is comprised of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Committee on Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is also a proud member of the Women’s Caucus as well as the Black, Latino/a, and Asian Caucus.

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