Res 1293-2016

By Council Members Salamanca, Menchaca, Mendez and Chin Whereas, According to the Migration Policy Institute ("MPI"), approximately 593,000 undocumented individuals reside in New York City; and Whereas, The same data shows that about 13 percent, or approximately 79,000, undocumented individuals in New York City are under the age of 24; and Whereas, Undocumented individuals face special, and often harsh, realities due to their status, including the lack of access to employment and educational opportunities; and Whereas, According to New York State Youth Leadership Council ("NYSYLC"), undocumented youth "experience isolation and xenophobia" and are "barred from accessing federal financial aid" to pursue education opportunities; and Whereas, According to the NYSYLC only 5 to 10 percent of undocumented youth seek a college education; and Whereas, However, due to the current immigration status of undocumented individuals and families, thousands of undocumented young people lack access to basic educational and employment opportunities; and Whereas, Recognizing the special needs and circumstances of undocumented young people, in 2012, President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order creating Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ("DACA"); and Whereas, Under DACA, young individuals who meet certain criteria are given temporary relief from deportation, and receive work authorization; and Whereas, However, DACA is a temporary solution, and not all young undocumented individuals qualify for its relief; and Whereas, According to the MPI, an estimated 31,000 young people in New York State were not eligible for DACA in 2016; and Whereas, New York City has been a leading voice calling for comprehensive immigration reform; and Whereas, New York City and New York State should continue to look for creative solutions that will assist all undocumented individuals, and in particular young undocumented people; and Whereas, Young people who currently do not have authorization to work in the United States should be given opportunities to gain work experience; and Whereas, By creating internship opportunities for undocumented young people, we will ensure that they have an equal chance to become productive members of society; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls New York City and New York State leaders to develop opportunities for undocumented students to access unpaid internships in New York City. LS# 8778 10/5/16 GZ