New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says the city will continue to prepare for executive amnesty and encourage illegal immigrants to get ready to sign up, despite a court ruling temporarily blocking the executive actions.
“New York City will continue to prepare for implementation of the President’s executive action, and encourage immigrant communities to step forward and sign up when programs go live—these programs are lawful and secure,” he said in a statement, adding “and we have your back.”
Monday a federal judge in Texas temporally blocked the Obama administration’s executive amnesty, ruling in favor of 26 states challenging the president’s actions.
Tuesday, the Obama administration said it would appeal the court’s decision but acknowledged that it would abide by the ruling.
“Accordingly, the Department of Homeland Security will not begin accepting requests for the expansion of [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals] tomorrow, February 18, as originally planned. Until further notice, we will also suspend the plan to accept requests for [Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents ],” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said.
The delay is not causing supporters of the executive actions to wait.
Last month de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti led a group of about 30 mayors in filing an amicus brief with the Texas court in support of the executive actions and against the states’ challenge.
“We are organized, and we will fight for the changes this nation needs and deserves, and fight those who oppose immigration reform, be it in the courtroom, in Congress, or in our communities. Our voices will be heard,” de Blasio said at the time.
Another mayor who signed the amicus brief, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, told reporters Tuesday that his city is looking to offer illegal migrants a municipal ID to allow them to access city services and obtain bank accounts, according to NJ.com.
“We are trying to support the President’s efforts,” Baraka said during a Tuesday press conference following a meeting with other mayors about the immigration issue, according NJ.com’s report.
“And we know that the President’s executive order can only be made into a reality with the support of mayors across the country,” he added.
Another amicus brief signer, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, according to NJ.com’s report, is also working on implementing such an ID program.
De Blasio — whose city has already implemented a municipal ID for which illegal immigrants are eligible — and other immigration activists have stated they will continue to proceed and encourage illegal immigrants to to prepare for executive amnesty as the issue works its way through the courts.
“New York City will continue to defend, advocate and organize for the inclusion of immigrants already in our communities, who have proven to be an incredibly positive force for our economy and culture,” de Blasio said Tuesday.
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