Thread: UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS PUSH FOR 9/11 HEALTH BENEFITS

http://www.ny1.com/1-all-boroughs-news- ... h-benefits

03/02/2010 07:51 PM

Undocumented Workers Push For 9/11 Health Benefits
By: Ruschell Boone


Hundreds of undocumented workers who helped get the city up and running again after the September 11th attacks held a rally Tuesday in Elmhurst, Queens where they called on government officials to recognize their health concerns. NY1's Ruschell Boone filed the following report.

One by one, workers shared stories of respiratory problems and chronic illnesses they say developed after helping with the cleanup at or near the World Trade Center site.

"I have health problems in my lungs, including asthma, bacteria and cancer," said one worker.

Some are receiving care for September 11th related conditions, but others said they don't have adequate health care because they are undocumented workers. Now they're asking the government to grant them citizenship.

"Once we get the citizenship the health benefits for them will begin to flow," said Make the Road New York Deputy Director Javier Valdes. "The ability for them to become a resident of this country will allow them to access broader benefits at the federal level."

Many said they haven't been able to work and take care of their families. Some even said their compensation cases against their former employers have dragged on for nearly a decade.

"It's an emergency and we need to to it now because their illnesses are going to keep on progressing and their needs are going to keep on progressing," said Veronica Piedra of the Ecuadorian International Center.

More than a hundred workers attended the conference which was sponsored by Make the Road New York, a non-profit advocacy group. Make the Road wants to make sure these workers are not forgotten in the fight for immigration reform

"The 9/11 workers want to make sure that what they gave to this country to make sure that New York City got back on its feet is compensated by their ability to gain citizenship in this country," Valdes said.

Hoping to push the government on the issue, the workers and their supporters are now gearing up for a massive rally in Washington D.C.

"The president promised in 2008 that he was going to be a champion for immigration reform. What we have seen over the last year is total inaction on immigration," Valdes said.

The Washington rally is scheduled for March 21st. Organizers say they hope as many as 100,000 people will take part.


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Another bunch of America's wealth stealing illegals that are taught by other illegals that we in America owe them something.

We do owe them.....

We owe tham a damn bill for all they have stolen from the American taxpayer!
They are a lawless bunch of 3rd worlders with entitlement issues, like our President.