Clarke, Meng, Torres Urge Amending Diversity Visas
U.S. Reps. Yvette D. Clarke (D-Brooklyn), Grace Meng (D-Queens) and Ritchie Torres (D-Manhattan/Bronx), and 46 of their colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to either rescind or amend the Diversity Visa Program and remove the unnecessary restrictions of the Passport Rule.
Clarke said the Diversity Visa Program was originally created, within the State Department, to grant visas to countries with low immigration rates to the United States. The Trump Administration made many unsuccessful attempts to end the program all together, however, they were successful to include more restrictions and hurdles for applicants. By way of the unnecessary requirements of the Passport Rule, applicants from developing countries are too restricted and overburdened to participate in the Diversity Visa Program.
“This has significantly undermined access to the Diversity Visa Program, as well as tarnished the symbolism and spirit in which the program was enacted; to encourage “new seed” immigration from regions and nations that did not send many immigrants under our family or employment-based systems,” said Clarke. “That is why, I am urging Secretary Blinken to rescind or amend the 2019 Interim Final “Passport Rule” that requires applicants to invest in a passport before they are able to apply for the program. Because the chances of winning the lottery are very low and the financial burden is disproportionately high, this rule affects millions of applicants discouraged from applying due to the costs associated with obtaining a passport they may never get to use.”
“This Rule is unconscionable and antithetical to the original intent of the Diversity Visa Program. We are a nation founded by immigrants and a nation made stronger by its diversity. Requiring potential applicants to hold a passport prior to applying for the Diversity Visa lottery only acts as a deterrent to millions of potential new Americans. That is why the Secretary must take action on this rule,” said Meng.
“The Trump Administration’s xenophobic immigration policies have left a hateful stain on our nation’s legacy. It is incumbent upon the Biden Administration to rescind all of the last Administration’s harmful policies. The repeal of the “Passport Rule” to the Diversity Visa Program is yet another important step in reversing racist policies and restoring our commitment to human rights. As a global leader we must enact policy that reflects our values of inclusivity and diversity, ” said Torres.
Sanders Reminds Constituents about Homeowner Assistance Fund
State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Queens) would like to provide constituents with important information about a new program called the Homeowner Assistance Fund which provides emergency assistance for homeowners.
Thanks to the Homeowner Assistance Fund, struggling homeowners can get up to $50,000 to catch up on unpaid mortgage, property tax, maintenance, and insurance and utility fees as well as to reduce mortgage principal
The Three HAF Programs are the Mortgage Reinstatement/Principal Reduction Program, the Arrears Satisfaction Program and the Forward Payments Program.
Sanders in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica is continuing virtual landlord/tenant assistance clinics and NHSJ can also provide help with HAF once the program launches.
Please call Senator Sanders’ Office for more information at 718-523-3069.
Rosenthal Applauds NYC on Authorizing Safer Consumption Spaces
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) yesterday applauded the decision by the City to permit the siting and operation of two safer consumption spaces (SCS) in New York City.
The sites, already operating syringe exchange programs, will be run by New York Harm Reduction Educators (NYHRE) in East Harlem and the Washington Heights Corner Project.
Rosenthal is the sponsor of bill A.224, introduced in 2016, to authorize safer consumption spaces statewide. The bill is carried in the State Senate by Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Health.
“With COVID-19 as a backdrop, New York lost more people to overdose in 2020 than ever before, and this year is on pace to exceed that. With an overdose crisis that continues to ravage the state, we don’t have the luxury of time,” said Rosenthal. “The cost of delay in authorizing safer consumption spaces has been measured in lives lost, which is why I am so pleased that New York City will become the first American city to authorize SCS.”
Colton Calls on Parents to Weigh in on New School Chancellor Pick
Assemblyman William Colton (D-Brooklyn) this week called upon parents to voice their opinion on what kind of Chancellor NYC schools must have.
“I believe that the next NYC schools Chancellor must be someone who will bring us all together by inspiring educational leadership that will motivate excellent academic standards, especially in the foundation skills needed to build future success and programs for all our school children, including more health and physical education programs to promote good health practices,” said Colton.
“Such a school leader must expand gifted and talented programs in every neighborhood, insist our schools strictly and fully implement the IEP for our special education programs for all our special needs children, select creative and top quality remedial programs for those children underperforming grade standards, and provide the cultural arts, music and vocational programs for those children showing such talents and interests.
“Parents should begin now to make their voices heard on what positive qualities they are looking for in the next Chancellor so that we do not get a Chancellor, like the past two Chancellors, who merely seek diversity to cover up ideological solutions to the real necessity of leadership in marshaling the resources and programs to help professional staff advance the individual educational and academic needs of each child,” Colton added.
Addabbo Brings NYC Oath Agency to his Office this Month
This December, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) is partnering with the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) for an event at his Howard Beach Office to provide residents with assistance for their city summonses and hearings.
OATH is New York City’s central, independent administrative law court. OATH has two divisions that are responsible for adjudicating City matters: the OATH Trials Division and the OATH Hearings Division.
“OATH is a vital part of City government that can help you resolve a summons issue from a number of City agencies,” Addabbo said. “If you have any questions about a summons you may have received, or are curious to find out if you have an outstanding summons, then this event is right for you. OATH representatives will be at my office to assist constituents with their summons issues. I want to thank OATH for coming to my district and partnering with me on bringing their important services to my residents.”
OATH will be in Addabbo’s district from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 16, at 159-53 102nd Street in his Howard Beach office in Queens.
