Letter to the Editor: Call to action for immigration bill

Dear Circle Staff,

Immigration is a hot button issue in our society today. There is a lot of focus on ways to put a stop to illegal immigration, but a lot less talk about what we can do for the immigrants that are already here. There are many legislative bills that have been submitted in hopes of being written into law. Similar to other bills drafted, there is one bill in particular that has yet to leave the New York State Social Service Committee since its introduction in 2003.

State Assembly Bill A00547 calls for funding to assist in establishing programs that will ease the transition for new Americans. The enactment of this bill will allow the Office of Temporary Disability and Assistance to administer funds to community based organizations that provide necessary services to immigrants. These services include, but are not limited to, citizenship services, English classes and legal and employment services. Since immigrants are an important part of our society, it is important to help make their transition into our country as quick and easy as possible. Contrary to popular belief, immigrants are a huge contributor to our economy and do not place a strain on our social service.

Immigrants are more willing to take on the necessary and undesirable jobs that are crucial to maintaining our society. I urge you all to participate in the support and passing of Bill A00547 by contacting your legislators and encouraging their support. You can contact your legislators through the following website: http://tinyurl.com/ydm53nx.

Send letters of support so that we can be successful in turning this bill into law. Remember, we help ourselves through our support of immigration.

Sincerely,
Niasia Kemp '11