Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera on “Sanctuary Cities” language in the Senate Budget Resolution

“It is outrageous that Senate Republicans are threatening the financial security of counties, cities, and agencies across our State for protecting thousands of immigrants who call New York home for their own political gain. Historically, New York has welcomed and embraced immigrant communities and that will not change because Senate Republicans want to appease the most radical among them. Immigrants contribute to the economic and social life of New York State and our job as state legislators is to ensure all New Yorkers are treated with justice and respect. This measure only fosters hate and fear and I will not stand idly by while Senate Republicans try to include it in our State’s budget.”