What Is the Empire State Immigrant Defense Fund?
On January 9, Governor Cuomo presented the 12th Proposal of the 2017 State of the State Agenda to launch the “New York Promise” Agenda – a sweeping, unprecedented package of reforms to advance principles of social justice, affirm New York’s progressive values, and set a national standard for protections against all forms of discrimination.
One of the objectives of the Agenda is the “We Are All Immigrants” Initiative which is being launched to expand opportunity and empower immigrants in New York. It features a comprehensive package of proposals, including the Empire State Immigrant Defense Fund. Governor Cuomo will launch this first-in-the-nation, state-led, public-private legal defense project to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to representation and due process, regardless of their citizenship status. This initiative will be administered by the State’s Office for New Americans in partnership with advocacy organizations, major colleges and universities, law firms, and legal associations around the state.
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How Can AABANY Members Participate?
AABANY members and supporters are highly encouraged to reach out to our Immigration and Nationality Law Committee to let the Committee Co-Chairs Amanda Bernardo, Poonam Gupta and Susan Akina know about your interest in getting involved. Thanks in advance for your willingness to help our immigrant communities in New York.