Immigration Advocates Criticize Governor Kathy Hochul for Failing to Address Plight of Caribbean and Other Immigrants

Governor Kathy Hochul

Immigration Advocates Express Disappointment

Immigration advocates have criticized Governor Kathy Hochul for failing to address the plight of Caribbean and other immigrants in her fourth State of the State (SOS) address on Tuesday.

“Governor Hochul outlined her vision for a New York that is more affordable, where more families can make ends meet, find housing, and prosper. Yet, she failed to mention the immigrants who have already contributed so much to making that vision a reality,” said Murad Awawdeh, president and chief executive officer of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC).

Federal Politicians Demonizing Immigrants

The head of the umbrella immigrant advocacy organization of over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that federal politicians across the political spectrum are demonizing immigrants. The incoming president has pledged mass deportations, and Hochul “lost an opportunity to make New York a leader by strengthening protections for immigrant families and including them in her proposals.”

Immigrants Contribute to New York’s Economy

Awawdeh said that without the US$68 billion that immigrants pay each year in New York, the childcare, school lunches, and child tax credits that Governor Hochul is advocating for will be difficult to implement.

“Without enacting legislation like New York For All to build community trust for law enforcement, the public safety being espoused cannot be achieved,’ he said, adding, “without investing in immigration legal services and passing the Access to Representation Act, the construction workers who would build affordable housing will not be able to stay and work in New York,”

Fighting for a Future Where All New Yorkers Can Thrive

Awawdeh said it’s “time for our elected leaders to unequivocally stand up for everyone who calls New York home and fight for a future where all New Yorkers can thrive. When we support our immigrant neighbors, all of New York benefits.”

Prioritizing Expansive Investments

Jose Lopez, the co-executive director of Make the Road New York, said that while Hochul outlined several proposals designed to put money in people’s pockets, “we need to prioritize expansive investments in programmes that provide resources for all New Yorkers.

“We need a Housing Access Voucher Program so that everyone can have a roof over their heads. We must ensure that every child has a well-funded education and that everyone has access to healthcare to live long and healthy lives.

“With the incoming Trump administration promising cuts in federal funding, the only way we can achieve these things is if billionaires and corporations are forced to pay what they owe in taxes. We also need to ensure that all New Yorkers can live safely and in stability.

Conclusion

Immigration advocates are urging Governor Hochul to take a stronger stance on immigration issues and to prioritize the needs of immigrant communities. They are calling for comprehensive immigration reform, increased funding for immigration legal services, and the passage of the Access to Representation Act.

FAQs

Q: Why are immigration advocates criticizing Governor Hochul?

A: Immigration advocates are criticizing Governor Hochul for failing to address the plight of Caribbean and other immigrants in her State of the State address.

Q: What are some of the proposals that Governor Hochul outlined?

A: Governor Hochul outlined several proposals designed to put money in people’s pockets, including childcare, school lunches, and child tax credits.

Q: What are some of the concerns of immigration advocates?

A: Immigration advocates are concerned about the demonization of immigrants, the lack of comprehensive immigration reform, and the impact of federal funding cuts on immigrant communities.

Q: What is being done to address these concerns?

A: Immigration advocates are urging Governor Hochul to take a stronger stance on immigration issues and to prioritize the needs of immigrant communities. They are also calling for comprehensive immigration reform, increased funding for immigration legal services, and the passage of the Access to Representation Act.