by Xin Wu and Metzli Nieves, Policy Interns
Keep Immigrant Children and Families Safe
The last few years have seen more and more policies that hurt immigrant children and families. In the last few months, those attacks have escalated. Everyday there is news about migrant deaths and mistreatment on the border, attacks on DACA, plans to limit benefits and increase application fees and threats of massive immigration raids. The U.S can and must do better. We must stay informed and speak out on the issues affecting immigrant children and families. No human is illegal and children should not be separated from their families.
New York State Dream Act Application is now LIVE!
The Senator Jose Peralta New York State Dream Act allows undocumented students to pursue a higher education by providing them New York State grants and scholarships. The application to apply went live last week so spread the word!
To apply go to: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/dream/
New Housing Rule Directly Targets Immigrant Families
On May 10, 2019, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development proposed a new rule that would ban “mixed-status” families from living in public housing. The proposed rule would result in the eviction of as many as 108,000 individuals in 25,000 mixed-status families and displace as many as 55,000 children.
Join the Children’s Defense Fund – New York to fight against this inhumane rule. Voice your opposition by submitting comments by tomorrow, July 9, 2019 via www.regulations.gov.
What is Next for DACA
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to hear the federal court cases that challenged President’s Trump decision to end DACA. A decision from the Supreme Court should be issued on or before June 2020. Individuals who have previously had DACA can still apply for a renewal but USCIS is not accepting first-time applications.
Individuals who have DACA should consult with experts and prepare to renew as soon as possible.
For more information on how to renew DACA visit: https://unitedwedream.org/2018/05/how-to-easily-renew-your-daca/
Safe Schools for All
Chancellor Carranza released a backpack letter and a one-pager that reiterated the NYC Department of Education (DOE) support of immigrant families and youth in NYC public schools. The NYCDOE does not allow non-local law enforcement, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, to enter NYC schools. This is issued all year round, including summer school and summer programs.
Visit https://infohub.nyced.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/protecting-immigrant-families_english.pdf for more information of the rights that immigrant families have in New York Public Schools.
Backpack letter: https://infohub.nyced.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/letter-from-the-chancellor-on-protecting-immigrant-families-june-2019_english.pdf