Latino Civil Rights Organization Says Governor Hochul’s Veto Puts Thousands of Immigrants Who Plead Guilty at Risk of Deportation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2022
Contact: Saraí Bejarano｜[email protected]｜212-739-7581
Latino Civil Rights Organization Says Governor Hochul’s Veto Puts Thousands of Immigrants Who Plead Guilty at Risk of Deportation
New York, NY - LatinoJustice PRLDEF, a civil and human rights organization, responded to the veto by New York Governor Kathy Hochul of the Court Notification Bill (S2903A/A9877A), a law passed by the state Legislature which would have required judges to notify immigrant defendants that a misdemeanor conviction could result in deportation or the denial of citizenship.
The statement below can be attributed to Norma Esquivel, Associate Counsel at LatinoJustice PRLDEF:
“We are disappointed that Governor Hochul vetoed a bill that would have helped protect the Constitutional rights of immigrants. This move puts thousands of immigrants facing criminal charges, including those with green cards, at risk of detention or deportation. Immigrants often have few resources to face a defense against their charges. This bill would have strengthened the rights of immigrants who are often unaware of the severe consequences that a plea in a criminal matter can have on their immigration status. LatinoJustice will continue to fight to defend, protect and expand the rights of our immigrant community as it has for the past 50 years.”
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About LatinoJustice
LatinoJustice PRLDEF works to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law to secure transformative, equitable and accessible justice, by empowering our community and by fostering leadership through advocacy and education. For nearly 50 years, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has acted as an advocate against injustices throughout the country. To learn more about LatinoJustice, visit www.LatinoJustice.org