John, 

Governor DeSantis has made it clear his vision for Florida does not include immigrants. The bill (HB1617/SB1718) passed just two weeks ago is a blatantly inhumane piece of legislation targeting immigrants without immigration status. Many Floridian’s daily lives have been altered by the bill – everything from driving their kids to school to going to work has become much harder. No immigrant feels safe anymore, while Governor DeSantis plays politics with people’s lives.

Last week, we stood with NY Senator Andrew Gounardes and other elected officials to demand New York prove it is different from Florida, by passing the New York for All Act. The NY4All Act would broadly prohibit state and local officers from colluding with ICE, barring them from funneling people into ICE custody, and sharing sensitive information with ICE. No child or parent should ever have to live with the fear that they may be separated from their loved ones. Can you travel with us to Albany to ensure the bill is passed this legislative session?

Families have been known to avoid reporting a crime or going to a hospital for treatment because of the fear and stress that any interaction with law enforcement or a public institution will result in their information being shared with ICE. The fear a minor interaction with law enforcement could lead to immigrant parents getting detained, deported, and separated from their families forever is very real for immigrant New Yorkers. If you can’t join us in Albany, please send an email to your elected officials to demand they support NY4All this legislative session.

Murad Awawdeh
Executive Director