We celebrate the passage of Fair Courts for Immigrant New Yorkers (previously: Court Notification). Fair Courts strengthens protections for immigrants facing criminal charges in New York. Last year the Governor's veto undermined strong support for the bill. This year, IDP united with legal advocacy and community organizations to show the urgent need for the bill. We are now calling on Governor Hochul to sign it. Immigrant New Yorkers are often unaware that a plea in criminal court can cause devastating consequences, including deportation. This bill ensures that guidance from judges are meaningful for all immigrants. And it creates systems of accountability when those rights are violated. Read more about Fair Courts.
IDP celebrates the passage of the Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act. This bill gives people a legitimate chance to clear their names after convictions. It provides a path to justice for immigrant New Yorkers who are facing consequences on the sole basis of a wrongful or improper conviction to have their claims heard with access to counsel. The Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act helps break the cycle of perpetual punishment. IDP will continue to fight to ensure the goals of the bill will be meaningful to all immigrants. Read more about the legislation.
We also celebrate passage of Clean Slate, a key priority for the Justice Roadmap. As a result of Clean Slate, New York will will automatically clear certain conviction records after a set period of time. Sealing records as a result of this bill will not erase negative immigration consequences. IDP continues to fight for expanded recognition of expungements, sealing, and post-conviction relief in immigration forums. But, as a result of Clean Slate, immigrant New Yorkers will face fewer barriers to accessing jobs, housing and education.
The successful campaign of Common Justice and other organizations to pass the Fair Access to Victim's Compensation Bill, another Justice Roadmap bill, is also cause for celebration. As a result of their work, New York will provide access to financial relief for survivors who were previously barred from receiving victim compensation.