Senate Resolution No. 874

BY: Senator BENJAMIN

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2, 2019, as Immigrant Children and Family Day
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness and enhance the
profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the
communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2, 2019, as
Immigrant Children and Family Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Generations of immigrants from every corner of the globe
have built our country's economy and created the unique character of our
State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Today, the majority of people arriving at our Nation's
borders are children and families seeking asylum, fleeing violence,
crushing poverty and endemic crime; children in immigrant families make
up one-quarter of all children in the United States and represent the
fastest growing segment of the country's increasingly diverse child
population; and

WHEREAS, New York is often considered one of the greatest cultural
hubs in the country, having welcomed immigrants for centuries; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, more than 4.5 million immigrants comprised 22.9
percent of the state's population; New York was home to 2.3 million
women, 2 million men, and 217,102 children who were immigrants; and

WHEREAS, Immigrants make up 25% of the State's labor force; as
workers, business owners, taxpayers, and neighbors, immigrants are an
integral part of New York's diverse and thriving communities and make
extensive contributions that benefit all; and

WHEREAS, Immigrants grow businesses, innovate, strengthen our
economy and create jobs in New York State; they also provide the United
States of America and New York State with unique social and cultural
influence, fundamentally enriching the extraordinary character of each;
and

WHEREAS, Immigrants account for nearly a third of New York's
economic output in metropolitan areas and produce more than a fifth of
New York's gross domestic product; and

WHEREAS, Foreign-born students seeking educational opportunities in
New York contribute billions of dollars to the State in their journey to
success; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness and
increased recognition of the contributions of immigrant communities at
the local, state and national levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2, 2019, as
Immigrant Children and Family Day in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.