Promise for a just New York City

In September 2007, I started working as a public school special education teacher. From the very first day, I strived to help every single student that walked through the doors of my classroom. It didn’t matter their race, religion, country of origin or neighborhood and it certainly didn’t matter their immigration status. Regardless of how they arrived in my classroom, it was my job – my duty as an educator and someone who cares about the future of our city – to invest in their future.

And that is a deeply held personal value that informs my work as a City Council Member: Whoever walks through the doors of my office receives the help they deserve. Denying people help is not only wrong, it is foolish. Small problems become bigger problems when they are left unaddressed, no matter what the source. That is not, however, a value shared by the current President.

His administration has made it very clear that a person trying to follow our immigration laws but overstays their visa, despite having a job, paying taxes and uplifting our economy and community, and sending children to our schools, should be treated with the same punishment as a murderer who illegally crossed into the country. This is the same administration that believes that someone who assaults a police officer in the service of supporting Donald Trump is righteous, and should not be held accountable. According to this administration, the insurrectionist who harms our law enforcement officials is immune to justice, but the immigrant who supports our community should be severely punished.

New York City’s sanctuary laws protect those who are simply trying to make a better life for themselves and their families, but are undocumented. Some constituents have shared false concerns with NYC’s sanctuary laws, claiming that they protect violent criminals. They do not. Our sanctuary laws are not about protecting criminals, they are about protecting the innocent. They are about protecting construction workers, healthcare workers, restaurant workers, nannies, and yes, students that were in my classroom. The laws simply say that we as a government will do nothing to disincentivize children from going to school, parents from going to work, families from volunteering at the local community center, and victims of crimes from going to the police.

At the same time, we are all committed to public safety. Violent crime isn’t tolerated–but neither will the baseless hate and fear that Washington is fomenting. Safer streets and a sanctuary city in fact go hand-in-hand.

What does it mean when we protect law-abiding, undocumented immigrants? The values of work and a sound education are uplifted; medical care is provided; and victims can seek justice. Because regardless of immigration status, our children need an education, our city needs workers, the sick need care and victims of crimes need to report those crimes. And nobody should be punished for contributing to our communities.

In service of those who simply want a better life for themselves, their families, and our communities, I am taking steps to protect their rights. I have been out on our streets, in our libraries, at our schools and at food distribution sites handing Know Your Rights flyers to anyone who needs them. I am meeting with trusted clergy and leadership in the religious community, I am hosting know your rights webinars and the NYC Council has allocated $2 million for language and legal services.

The same promise I made to my students almost 18 years ago is the same promise I make to my constituents: no matter your background, I am here to make sure you can make a better life for yourself, your family, and our community. And the promise of a safer, more affordable, more just New York City is one I will fight for, always.

This letter was written by Councilman Eric Dinowitz