Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton joined Neighbors Link Executive Director Carola Otero Bracco Dec. 3 before an audience of more than 400 attendees at the VIP Country Club in New Rochelle for a candid conversation about the anticipated consequences for thousands of Westchester immigrants under a new Trump administration. With approximately one-quarter of Westchester County’s population comprised of foreign-born residents who help power the economy, contribute to the tax base and enrich the social fabric of our communities, Clinton’s advice was especially prescient. She emphasized the importance of secure borders and immigration reform, including finalizing DACA (Deferred Action for Child Arrivals) and providing legal pathways to citizenship. “There is no master list of undocumented immigrants,” she pointed out, “which means the in-coming administration could implement massive dragnets, including unannounced raids on businesses, farms, construction sites, and restaurants to round up undocumented workers –– an act that would have catastrophic effects on families, businesses and the community.”
As a result, she warned, people need to be prepared. “Figure out who your allies are. Collect all your paperwork – pay stubs, green cards, rental agreements, tax records; renew DACA documents. And realize that you have due process rights. If you’ve been in this country for more than two years, you can appear before a judge.”
Clinton reminded the audience that immigration reform was close to being enacted several times since 2000 on a bi-partisan basis and stressed the need for law that is humane and effective. She advised that we need to be reminded that we are a nation of immigrants but acknowledged that getting the message through can sometimes be difficult.
Bracco raised concerns about the lack of options for vulnerable immigrants. “These measures will tear families apart. Immigrants need allies. We are advising our clients to seek legal assistance through us or other viable means. Be sure to renew your DACA status and have your documents ready….I am hopeful that all of the people who came to listen to this and the people that work at Neighbors Link and the organizations that we partner with are dedicated to making a difference.”
Monies raised at the event will go to support vital Neighbors Link programs, including immigration legal services. Neighbors Link provides free legal immigration services to thousands of immigrants across the lower Hudson Valley annually.
The Neighbors Link mission is to strengthen the whole community through the healthy integration of immigrants. Its mission is achieved by filling a service gap for new immigrant families, offering education and empowerment programs, involving longer-term residents in volunteer opportunities, and creating substantive partnerships with other local organizations.
Neighbors Link is headquartered in Mount Kisco and has three locations in Westchester County and offers services throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley. For more information on locations or programs, call 914-666-3410.
