Clarke Supports Obama Plan Allowing More Refugees
Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke issued a statement that she supports President Obama’s recent announcement that the United States will increase the number of refugees allowed to resettle in the United States to 100,000 annually by 2017, an increase from the current number, 70,000.
Refugees are people who have fled their homes to escape war or persecution (and can prove it), while migrants more generally may be relocating for economic reasons. Under the new plan, the limit on annual refugee visas would be increased to 85,000 in 2016. The cap would then rise to 100,000 the following year.
“There are now sixty million refugees around the world, more than at any time since the end of World War II. This crisis requires every nation – particularly nations such as the United States with substantial resources available – to provide assistance to protect the safety of families and children fleeing from conflict and persecution. The current instability in Syria has displaced more than four million people, yet only 1,400 Syrian refugees have been allowed to resettle in the United States,” said Clarke.
“The many refugees who have risked death by attempting to travel in the desert without supplies or by sea on inadequate boats demonstrates the seriousness of their situation. These individuals are desperate. We have a responsibility to help. I commend the Department of State and President Obama on their decision to increase our efforts to offer safety to these refugees,” she added.
Adams Holds Briefing On Gang Behavior
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will hold a briefing this evening on gang behavior for community leaders in Brooklyn, in response to trends in borough-wide violence that have resulted in the deaths of numerous Brooklynites.
Representatives from the New York City Police Department, Department of Corrections, and Department of Probation will be present to educate local stakeholders on recognizing early signs of gang involvement, understanding key details about gang culture, and knowing what to do if one suspects their loved one is involved with a gang.
Adams, a retired New York City Police Officer, and others, including former gang members, will speak to the importance of a proactive approach in addressing gang violence and advancing public safety in Brooklyn.
The briefing is slated for 7 p.m. tonight at Brooklyn Borough Hall 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Donovan, Golden, Gentile Tour Shore Road Promenade
Western Brooklyn Congressman Dan Donovan, together with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Brooklyn Community Boards 10 and 11, today inspected the Shore Road Promenade to identify opportunities for resiliency investments to protect the Belt Parkway during floods.
The 2007 Water Resources Development Act authorized the Army Corps to study the area adjacent to the Belt Parkway for a flood control project. In 2015, the Army Corps released a comprehensive study of the North Atlantic region, which identified the New York-New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries area as high-risk and requiring further analysis.
A potential solution to reduce risk to the Belt Parkway involves elevating the promenade to a more flood-resistant height. The site visit conducted represents the first step in the analysis process.
“The Belt Parkway services thousands of commuters every day, and could be the evacuation route for hundreds of thousands during a major storm,” said Donovan. “I’m encouraged that the Army Corps and the City sent their experts this morning to begin analyzing potential solutions. I will continue monitoring their progress – the community and drivers deserve a safe and secure parkway.”
Also joining Donovan were Bay Ridge Senator Marty Golden and Bay Ridge City Council Member Vincent Gentile, and representatives from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency, NYC Parks Department, and NYC Department of Environmental Protection.
Schumer, Gillibrand Bring $1.25 Million Fed Money Locally
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand yesterday announced $1,250,000 in federal grants for organizations throughout New York City through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Among the organizations awarded $250,000 include the Shorefront YM-YHWA of Brighton-Manhattan Beach. Other organizations with some roots in Brooklyn getting the grant were Make the Road New York; and SEIU 1199 League Training and Upgrading Fund.
“Immigrants are dreamers and doers and America is a great nation because we welcome with open arms those who come here to make a better life for themselves and their families. This federal funding means that organizations in New York City will be able to better prepare these hard-working future Americans for naturalization,” said Schumer.
Gillibrand said New York thrives on diversity and the USCIS grants provide additional resources to help prepare lawful permanent residents for citizenship.
“This critical federal funding will allow several organizations to expand services to navigate immigrants through the complex application process. I will continue to push for funding that gives individuals and families a lifeline toward earned citizenship,” she said.
Through this grant program, 40 organizations will gain resources to build community capacity to support lawful permanent residents in the naturalization process, help individuals prepare for U.S. citizenship, and foster their integration into American society. Grant recipients are located in 25 states and will serve more than 25, 000 individuals from countries around the world. USCIS is awarding the grants as part of the Fiscal Year 2015 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.
