Thread: Illegal aliens in New York could become 'state citizens' under new bill

Undocumented immigrants in New York could become 'state citizens' under new bill

Advocates are set to introduce the measure that would allow immigrants who aren't U.S. citizens to become New York State citizens with driver's licenses, voting rights, Medicaid and other benefits controlled by the state.

BY ERIN DURKIN
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Sunday, June 15, 2014, 6:43 PM

NORMAN Y. LONO FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx), is the sponsor of the new bill in the state Senate.

Undocumented immigrants in New York could become “state citizens” with a slew of benefits from driver’s licenses to voting rights under a bill to be introduced Monday.

Advocates are set to announce the measure that would allow immigrants who aren’t U.S. citizens to become New York State citizens if they can prove they’ve lived and paid taxes in the state for three years and pledge to uphold New York laws — regardless of whether they’re in the country legally.

The state bill, which would apply to about 2.7 million New Yorkers, will face long odds in Albany, where even more modest immigration reforms have failed to pass.

People who secured state citizenship would be able to vote in state and local elections and run for state office. They could get a driver’s license, a professional license, Medicaid and other benefits controlled by the state. Immigrants would also be eligible for in-state tuition and financial aid.

The legislation would not grant legal authorization to work or change any other regulations governed by federal law.

“Obviously this is not something that’s going to pass immediately, but nothing as broad as this or as bold as this passes immediately,” said Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx), the sponsor in the state Senate.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/poli...#ixzz34ktRvohR

UPDATE.

Bill to offer state citizenship for undocumented immigrants

BY ERIN DURKIN
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Sunday, June 15, 2014, 7:45 PM

Undocumented immigrants in New York could become “state citizens” with a slew of benefits from driver’s licenses under a new bill to be introduced Monday.

Advocates are set to announce a bill that would allow immigrants who aren’t U.S. citizens to become New York state citizens if they can prove they’ve lived and paid taxes in the state for three years and pledge to uphold New York laws, regardless of whether they’re in the country legally.

“The path to achieving opportunity and equity and dignity for immigrants through Washington seems blocked by Washington’s general dysfunction,” said Andrew Friedman, executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy and a founder of Make the Road New York. “States should push for full equality and inclusion.”

The bill will face long odds in Albany, where even more modest immigration reforms have failed to get through the legislature.

The bill would apply to about 2.7 million New Yorkers who lack citizenship, including those in the country legally and illegally.

People who secured state citizenship under the bill would be able to vote in state and local elections, and run for state office.

They could get a driver’s license, a professional license issued by the state, and Medicaid and other benefits controlled by the state.

Immigrants would also be eligible for in-state tuition and financial aid, and would be protected from discrimination based on their status. And the bill would sharply limit state authorities’ cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The legislation would not grant legal authorization to work or change any other regulations governed by federal law.

It’s destined to be a longshot in Albany, where the DREAM Act, which would help undocumented students afford college, and efforts to offer driver’s licenses have failed so far.

But backers say it will prompt similar efforts in other states, similar to how states led the way on gay marriage, with talks on bills already underway in Illinois, Oregon, and Maryland.

“Obviously this is not something that’s going to pass immediately, but nothing as broad as this or as bold as this passes immediately,” said Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx), the sponsor in the Senate.

The bill is estimated to cost taxpayers $106 to 173 million a year, while generating $145 million in new economic activity and saving drivers $100 million in insurance premiums, advocates say.


Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dai...#ixzz34ljZdH3e

Why haven't we heard anything about this?

. . . People who secured state citizenship under the bill would be able to vote in state and local elections, and run for state office.

They could get a driver’s license, a professional license issued by the state, and Medicaid and other benefits controlled by the state . . .

. . . But backers say it will prompt similar efforts in other states with talks on bills already underway in Illinois, Oregon, and Maryland . . .

Democrat bill dubs illegals 'state citizens'
WND.com-4 hours ago

Immigrants, Advocates Rally For New York State Citizenship
CBS Local-1 hour ago

NY lawmaker aims to give voting rights to illegal immigrants
Reuters-1 hour ago

RELATED

http://www.alipac.us/f12/forget-amne...aliens-304544/

Proposed legislation could grant state citizenship to undocumented immigrants
Bronx state Senator Gustavo Rivera proposed legislation Monday in Albany that would provide benefits and citizenship to illegal immigrants who meet certain criteria. (AP Photo)

Ryan Lavis June 16, 2014

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With the legislative session in Albany scheduled to end this week, one New York lawmaker is pushing legislation that would grant sweeping rights of citizenship to millions of illegal immigrants and non-citizens, including the right to vote and access to healthcare.

The New York Is Home Act, sponsored by Bronx state Senator Gustavo Rivera, would provide benefits to non-citizens who meet certain criteria.

Requirements include proof of residence in New York state for at least 3 years, pledges to abide by New York laws and uphold the state constitution, as well as a willingness to serve on New York juries. Additionally, non-citizens would also have had to pay state taxes for at least 3 years.

After meeting these criteria, non-citizens would receive a form of state citizenship that includes the right to vote in all state and local elections and hold certain public offices. Additionally, they would have access to college financial aid and health insurance programs, and the ability to apply for drivers and professional licenses, according to a summary of the bill.

Staten Island Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn) opposed the bill.

"Extending the privilege of voting to those in our country illegally devalues United States citizenship and further erodes the incentive to enter the country through safe and proper channels," Ms. Malliotakis said in a statement. "While some of us are fighting to protect taxpaying citizens, others are looking to give rights and benefits to non-citizens. It is a shame that during these last days of session, this is the priority of some legislators."

State Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) questioned the logistics of the bill, and noted the responsibility of such immigration reform should ultimately fall on Congress.

"These are issues that rightfully belong to the federal government, and we need a Congress more willing to develop comprehensive solutions to citizenship," Sen. Savino said.

According to the bill, this legislation would not interfere with the federal government's authority to regulate immigration.

The bills sponsor told the Daily News that he does not expect his legislation to pass anytime soon.

"Obviously this is not something that's going to pass immediately, but nothing as broad as this or as bold as this passes immediately," Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx), told the Daily News.

Click here to read The New York Is Home Act.pdf


http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf...sible_for.html

Above article added to the HP

http://www.alipac.us/content.php?r=3...ted-immigrants

New York Strains to Accommodate Surge in Child Migrants

By KIRK SEMPLE 1:04 PM ET

Immigrant advocacy organizations say they have seen a stunning rise in the number of unaccompanied minors seeking help in the past several months...

http://www.alipac.us/f12/n-y-state-s...aliens-304935/

RELATED

http://www.alipac.us/f12/3-maine-cit...aliens-304933/