NYC will continue to be a sanctuary city, ‘offer care to immigrants:’ officials

Mayor Adams declared that “no matter who is president or what party controls Congress, this city will always stand up for the rights of women, our immigrant brothers and sisters, our LGBTQ+ community and millions of others.”

To immigrants living in the city and pursuing the American Dream, he said, “New York City stands with you. Our city will continue to offer care, resources and legal help to those who need it. Regardless of immigration status, we will be here for you. New York City will always remain a city of immigrants and a beacon of liberty around the globe.”

Adams said his administration will work with the new Congress to develop a “realistic and compassionate” national strategy for immigration and this includes pushing Congress to provide expedited authorization for asylum seekers who desire to work, and who are already here. 

Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castropointed out that as a sanctuary city, NYC  “intend(s) to follow the law.”  Right now, he said he is worried that “a sense of anxiety and panic is setting in.”

“We will continue to be a sanctuary city, and we will continue to protect our immigrant communities,” he said.

First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer said many people woke up with “very strong feelings about the results of this election.”

“We’re seeing counts of 2.4 million ballots cast, close to 400,000 mail-in ballots requested,” she said, adding how the city is prepared for “different scenarios.”

In terms of immigration, she said NYC has always been “a place of tolerance and of respect,” and that will continue.

“And for those who are living here, immigrants, migrants, you should know, of course, that if the United States is the land of opportunity, we have always believed that New York City is the purest distillation of that, and that will not change,” she said. “We will continue to be that beacon of hope and work with the new administration for the types of reforms that are needed to fix our broken immigration system.”

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom said the city will continue to create a welcoming city for immigrants and ensuring everyone, including migrants and undocumented folks, have the right to city services, education, healthcare, and public safety. Healthcare will continue to be a fundamental right.

“And when I say healthcare, I don’t just mean access to an abortion. I mean all kinds of reproductive care,” she said.

Mass deportation appears to be on the agenda of newly re-elected President Donald Trump. He has sounded off threats of expelling asylum seekers and gang members, singling out nationals from Venezuela and Haiti. While his plans remain vague, some of those in the country without papers are feeling anxious about their status.

The number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. is estimated at anywhere from 11 million to 14 million.