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By Ruth E. Hernández Beltran |
New York (EFE).- The Office of the Mayor of New York has asked the tens of thousands of immigrants in an irregular situation not to be afraid to send their children to school or to go to the police, because promising that the next move will go big. administration of Donald Trump, as the city will remain a “safe haven,” Immigration Commissioner Manuel Castro told EFE.
Castro indicated that in his meetings with immigrants They always express “fear and anxiety about what might come,” especially from the parents, of being separated from their children born in the United States.
Being separated from their children is “one of the main concerns,” Castro said. The concern stems from the “zero tolerance” policy implemented by President-elect Donald Trump during his first term (2017-2021), in which children were torn from their parents upon arrival the border as a real barrier to immigrate to the US without permission.
It is estimated that at least 2,600 adults have been separated from their families: “They don’t know if they have to send their children to school or hide. This is what happens in these difficult times,” he said of his regular encounters with immigrants.
Recently, at a Manhattan school preparing for a field trip, several Latino children had an anxiety attack when they saw the buses that were supposed to take them on a field trip, believing them to be buses for the send off, as one of the organizers of the trip. explained to EFE.
“They’ve heard a lot of things on the news, on social media, but I tell them not to panic, it’s better to prepare, to have a plan because we don’t want families to be the separation,” to seek help from a lawyer or the immigration affairs office that Castro leads, although he immediately admits that they have “a lot of demand” for that service.
“The important thing to know is that New York is still a sanctuary city: we have laws that protect the information of our communities, and that they can continue to send their children to schools, as well as to ‘registration in many services that the city has. for immigrants,” Indian.
Photo of the facade of the New York City Hall building. EFE/Angel Colmenares
He remembered that the mayor Eric Adams He has said that he is against mass membership and he also asked that they should not be afraid to go to the Police if they suffer or see a crime or if they fear for their safety.
Castro said that the city – which received 223,000 immigrants in two years – is building a coalition with community, legal and church groups and the leaders of municipal organizations, with whom he meets, to help them – in case of a raid -, although also recognizing that it is uncertain what will happen.
“We have a network of organizations that we employ to provide services (to migrants). difference between local and federal governments,” he said.
New York has received criticism from Trump for his “sanctuary” status, although his mayor has admitted that he wants changes to this policy, which has been in place since late 1989 when Ed Koch was mayor
At the state level, under Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to raid courts and state agencies but that legislation didn’t extend to city and county properties, so it’s up to them to implement the same policy or go the ‘hard line’ .
New York Immigration Commissioner Manuel Castro speaks at a meeting at New York City Hall (USA). EFE/Angel Colmenares
However, Castro recalled that Governor Kathy Hochul created a committee to evaluate how to protect the immigrant community.
“There are many questions to be answered, the important thing now is to see what the city and the state can do with the opportunities that come with the new administration. “We are planning for various contingencies,” he said and assured that New York will be ready.
2024-11-24 13:00:00
#York #tells #immigrants #afraid #school #police
## Open-Ended Discussion Questions:
This article highlights the anxieties experienced by immigrant communities in New York City in light of potential changes to immigration policies. Here are some open-ended questions to spark discussion and explore different viewpoints:
**1. Fear and Uncertainty:**
* The article mentions anxiety attacks among Latino children fearing deportation. How might this fear and uncertainty impact their education, social development, and mental wellbeing?
* What are the long-term consequences for a community when its members live in constant fear of separation and detention?
**2. Role of Social Media:**
* The article states that social media is contributing to panic among immigrants. How can social media platforms be used both responsibly and irresponsibly in situations of social unrest and political change?
* What role do trusted sources of information, like community leaders and verified news outlets, play in mitigating the spread of misinformation?
**3. Sanctuary City Status:**
* The article highlights the “sanctuary city” status of New York. What are the arguments for and against this policy?
*
How does the tension between local and federal governments impact the lives of immigrants and the services they can access?
* Can a city truly be a “sanctuary” when federal immigration enforcement is ultimately outside its control?
**4. Coping Strategies and Support Networks:**
* What strategies can be employed to support immigrant communities facing anxieties about their legal status and safety?
* How can community organizations, religious institutions, and legal services work together to offer concrete help and guidance?
**5. The Future:**
* How might immigrant communities adapt to changing policies and potential increases in immigration enforcement?
* What can be done to build understanding and empathy between immigrant communities and those who hold different views on immigration?
**Thematic Sections**
You can divide the interview into thematic sections using headings like:
* **Living in Fear**: Addressing the impact of anxiety and uncertainty on immigrant communities.
* **The Role of Information**: Examining how social media and traditional news outlets shape perceptions.
* **The Sanctuary Debate**: Exploring the complex issue of sanctuary city policies and their implications.
* **Building Resilience**: Discussing strategies for supporting and empowering immigrant communities.
* **Looking Ahead**: Considering potential future scenarios and the need for dialogue and collaboration.
