Today, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, along with Families for Freedom (FFF) and the Northern Coalition for Immigrants Rights (NMCIR) urged Governor Andrew Cuomo to formalize and expand an Immigration Pardon Panel.  Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement applauding the release of the briefing paper indicating the need for an Immigration Pardon Panel:

“I applaud the Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, FFF and the NMCIR for pointing out the injustices that exist in the current immigration enforcement system and how the system has unfairly torn families apart.  As we approach the 15th anniversary of the enactment of 1996 federal immigration enforcement laws, the release of this briefing paper highlights the need to re-evaluate how we classify levels of crimes considered deportable offenses,” stated Congresswoman Clarke.  “It is clear that New York State has the capacity to lead the nation in utilizing this humane approach to adjudicating the circumstances involving these immigrants who are facing the hardship of family fragmentation. I encourage Governor Cuomo to take this opportunity to stand with New York families and formalize the panel to demonstrate how New York can lead the way in better addressing the deportation threat and the inhumane practice that tears apart our communities.”

“As a U.S. Representative for the 11th Congressional District of New York and having some of the most diverse immigrant communities in the nation, I have seen how these unjust immigration laws have harmed families within our communities.  Unfortunately, the findings released today only demonstrate the need to address our nation’s broken immigration system.  As a Member of Congress, I continue to work diligently with my colleagues to ensure that we effectively advocate for immigration reform and that my efforts are sustained until we pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation,” concluded Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

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