LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 105th Anniversary of the busi-
est day in the history of Ellis Island when 11,747 individuals immi-
grated to America to begin their new lives

WHEREAS, According to the Ellis Island Foundation, more than one and a
quarter million (1,285,349) immigrants entered the United States in
1907, of which nearly 80% arrived at Ellis Island; the United States
would not reach this total number of immigrants in one year again, until
1990; and
WHEREAS, From 1892 to 1954, over 17 million immigrants entered the
United States through Ellis Island; today, approximately 100 million
living descendants of the Ellis Island immigrants account for more than
40% of the country's population; and
WHEREAS, Leaving behind the lives they knew for hopes of a better
tomorrow, many immigrants underwent numerous hardships to start better
lives in America; and
WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population in the
State of New York is comprised of 21.4% foreign-born individuals; the
demographics of the population is as follows: 48.8% from Latin America,
26.4% from Asia, 19.2% from Europe, 4% from Africa and the remaining
1.6% from other areas; and
WHEREAS, Based on 2010 U.S. Census Bureau statistics, the percentage
of foreign-born individuals 25 years of age and older, with a bachelor's
degree or higher, is consistently higher than individuals born in the
United States in all science and engineering fields, as well as comput-
er, mathematics and statistics fields; and
WHEREAS, Many immigrants who come to this country contribute greatly
to the overall economic and entrepreneurial success of New York and the
United States; and
WHEREAS, Immigrants in New York have a tremendous impact on the econo-
my; they are responsible for $229 billion in economic output in New York
State, which is 22.4% of the total New York State Gross Domestic Product
(GDP), a share slightly larger than immigrants' share of population, and
slightly smaller than their share of the workforce; and
WHEREAS, In New York City, where immigrants make up more than one-
third of the total population, it is no surprise immigrant businesses
play a vital role in the City's economy; there are 69,000 immigrant
small business owners living in the City, making up 48% of the total,
according to a new Fiscal Policy Institute analysis of 2009 five-year
American Community Survey data; and
WHEREAS, In October of 2011, the Fiscal Policy Institute released a
report highlighting the following facts: immigrants, documented and
undocumented combined, make up 16% of the population of Long Island, and
account for 17% of total economic output; nearly a quarter, 22% of all
the small businesses located on Long Island are owned by immigrants, and
are generating profits of $804 million, or 16% of all small business
profits; and
WHEREAS, In upstate New York, 5% of the population is foreign-born,
well below the average for New York State (21%) and for the nation
(12%); yet, immigrants play a significant role in the upstate economy
especially in certain areas of particular importance to upstate's
future; and
WHEREAS, In farming, an important part of upstate's cultural heritage
and high quality of life, immigrants, both with visas and undocumented,
make up an estimated 80% of the seasonal workers who pick the crops and
keep the farms going; and

WHEREAS, In a 2009 report issued by the Fiscal Policy Institute enti-
tled "A Profile of Immigrants in the New York State Economy", the compo-
sition of immigrants in various sectors is highlighted; in universities,
the pride of many upstate regions, 20% of professors are immigrants,
four times their representation in the overall population; in health
care, the fastest-growing sector in the upstate economy, immigrants make
up 35% of physicians and surgeons; and
WHEREAS, In scientific fields, related to upstate strength in research
and development, immigrants make up 20% of computer software engineers;
and
WHEREAS, Immigrants are such an important part of the New York economy
that repressing them clearly could have unintended consequences with
significant negative impacts on small business, agriculture and the
overall economy; and
WHEREAS, America is a nation that welcomes, not a nation that rejects
or denies the freedoms and opportunities which the Statue of Liberty
represents; and
WHEREAS, On April 9, 2012, a group of 15 undocumented youth and
supporters from the New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC)
began a long journey, on foot, from New York City to Albany in support
for the New York Dream Act; and
WHEREAS, The 150-mile trek was an effort to obtain legislative support
and to raise awareness for the New York Dream Act, a bill, which would
provide access to state-funded financial aid (TAP) and scholarships to
qualifying undocumented youth; and
WHEREAS, In this ever expanding globalized economy we must do all we
can to cultivate the intellectual capital residing in our nation and
State by providing immigrant youths with financial assistance towards a
higher education and the opportunity to fulfill the American Dream; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 105th Anniversary of the busiest day in the history of
Ellis Island when 11,747 individuals immigrated to America to begin
their new lives, as well as to recognize the countless and invaluable
contributions immigrants have made to New York State, both economically
and socially; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the New York State Youth Leadership Council on behalf of the
DREAMERS.