Senate Resolution No. 109

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING the New Sanctuary for Immigrants of the
Capital Region upon the occasion of its designation
as a recipient of the Pro Bono Award by The Legal
Project on November 4, 2016

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those organizations within our midst which
have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals and organizations it wishes to
recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of
society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the
basic humanity among us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the New
Sanctuary for Immigrants of the Capital Region upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the Pro Bono Award by The Legal Project to
be celebrated with a Luncheon on Friday, November 4, 2016, at The
Century House, Latham, New York; and

WHEREAS, New Sanctuary for Immigrants (NSI), a faith-based program
at Our Lady of the Americas Shrine Church in Albany, New York, has
helped hundreds of families navigate the nuances of immigration laws and
the challenges of living in a new country; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization assists immigrants with food,
clothing, school registration, translation services, health care and
understanding their rights as employees; in addition, volunteers visit
immigrants being held in jails, refer them to free legal counsel and
host workshops, interfaith prayer vigils and demonstrations to raise
awareness of their struggles; and

WHEREAS, An all-volunteer, grass-roots, social justice group serving
all immigrants, NSI also helps with practical support such as groceries,
clothing, school registration, translation services, health care, and
emotional support; and

WHEREAS, NSI assists immigrant workers whose rights are violated by
their employers or landlords and visit immigrants being held by the
Department of Homeland Security at the Albany County Jail and other
jails throughout the Capital Region; the organization also offers public
education programs and conducts important advocacy on issues facing the
immigrant community; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, NSI successfully lobbied the Albany Common Council
to pass the Immigrant Rights Resolution; they support Comprehensive
Immigration Reform and maintaining unity among immigrant families as
well as providing education to both federal and state officials to urge
compassionate reform; and

WHEREAS, NSI has been instrumental in assisting immigrant clients of
The Legal Project with legal consultations as well as with the myriad of
issues they face, trying to settle into life in the Capital Region; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the New Sanctuary for Immigrants of the Capital Region upon the
occasion of its designation as a recipient of the Pro Bono Award by The
Legal Project on November 4, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the New Sanctuary for Immigrants of the Capital Region.