Andrew Cuomo on Immigration

	Andrew Cuomo on Immigration Democratic Governor

Sued federal government on their family separation policy

Let New York stand up for immigrants. We sued the federal government on their family separation policy and I want to continue that lawsuit because that was a disgusting political abuse of power. And just today, the courts have decided that the citizenship question that was in the census was illegal. Congratulations to the Attorney General's office that lead the suit. Source: 2019 State of the State address to the New York legislature , Jan 15, 2019

Post-9/11 anxiety causes demonization of immigrants

I had run for governor in 2002; it was just past 9/11. The political sentiment was shifting 180 degrees. You could almost feel the body politic trying to figure out what 9/11 meant. These are some of the most difficult political times; you feel it everywhere. They're not even political times, they're unstable times for the country. People are saying in different ways but they're saying the same thing: there's an anxiety. When people have more pressure on them, they feel more pressure, they feel more anxiety, you see the extremes grow and you see the extremes become louder. People on the right, blue collar workers nervous, "we need an enemy," the enemy are the immigrants who're coming in and stealing everything from the good hardworking Americans. How do we handle it? Make them leave! Eleven million people, out tomorrow; nice simple answer. What do we do once we kick them out? We build a big wall so they can't walk back--perfect! Nice, simple answer for people who are really afraid. Source: Speech at Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership , Nov 17, 2015

No comment on changing rules for Syrian refugees in NY

Gov. Andrew Cuomo isn't commenting on a request from a New York congressman and a state assemblyman that he prevent Syrian refugees from being placed in the state. U.S. Rep. Chris Collins and Assemblyman Christopher Friend, both Republicans, cited the threat of terrorism in calling on Cuomo to reject additional refugees. A spokesman for Cuomo, a Democrat, declined to comment. Source: ABC News on Syrian Refugee Crisis , Nov 16, 2015

Created a state Office for New Americans

No state knows better than New York the invigorating power that immigration holds for our economy, as well as our social growth. Governor Cuomo created an Office for New Americans to assist legal residents to prosper in our state. More than 25 neighborhood-based Opportunity Centers were opened throughout the state to provide advice and assistance. Source: NY Rising 2013 State of the State booklet , Jan 9, 2013

Disallow discrimination & exploitation of immigrants

We are a nation of immigrants and many of our forefathers and mothers came through Ellis Island in the hope and promise of a new beginning. It is critically important that we not allow the exploitation of immigrant communities. We must continue to fight immigration fraud, like those who exploit and target vulnerable immigrants by providing fraudulent immigration services. Moreover, we must continue to make sure that these communities do not face discrimination and receive fair wages and a safe workplace Source: 2010 gubernatorial campaign website, andrewcuomo.com , Nov 1, 2010