By Alex Ober
The big turnout at a July 24 town hall on Immigrant Justice in Kingston suggested that immigrants and their allies have the power to make positive change in the Hudson Valley.
The Ulster Immigrant Defense Network joined organizations from across the state including NY Immigration Coalition and NYIC Action, For the Many, and the Worker Justice Center of NY. Ulster County’s New York State Assembly member, Sarahana Shrestha, a Nepalese immigrant and long-time activist also attended.
Sponsors reported on progress & priorities
NYIC is a coalition of not-for-profit organizations promoting grassroots advocacy. They seek to elect “champions of immigrants” who will fight against xenophobia and oppressive policies. Candidates whose goals align with NYIC’s receive support via community forums, social media, mailers, calls, and canvassing.
During the meeting NYIC highlighted its work to fund health care for undocumented immigrants, pass legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers’ licenses, prohibit local and state officials from working with ICE, and improve language access throughout the state.
For the Many is also a grassroots organization based in the Hudson Valley. They strive to take down elite influencers and corporations who dismiss the needs and benefits of immigrants for their own gain. For the Many often focuses on day-to-day issues we all face, e.g., skyrocketing prescription and housing costs, while also explaining the systemic nature of problems like global climate change that can force individuals to leave their homes.
Efforts to improve the economic well-being of working people by, for example, increasing the minimum wage, are high on For the Many’s list of goals. The group also provides some basic services such as assisting immigrants being relocated from New York City.
The Kingston office of the Worker Justice Center of New York supports agricultural and low-wage laborers who are often subject to wage theft, discrimination, trafficking, and harmful working conditions.
Assemblymember stresses her support
Sarahana Shrestha spoke broadly about the exploitation of working people — immigrants and otherwise. She pointed out that while profits flow freely across borders, people cannot. Rep. Shrestha stressed that lies and misinformation result in people being “against immigrants.”
She concluded by stating that her office is a safe contact for immigrants. Reach her at: 324 Washington Avenue, # 1, Kingston, 845-338-9610, shresthas@nyassembly.gov
WJCNY also offers free legal assistance and educational presentations. One recent client was offered an $8 an hour wage. Others were falsely told that their journey to the U.S. would be financed by an employer only to find that they were expected to pay off their “debt.” The Center also has a team helping immigrants deal with trauma.
Father Frank Alagna, president of UIDN’s board, described immigrants fleeing violence, threats, trafficking, abuse, persecution, economic turmoil, climate change or a combination in search of freedom and opportunity. He said it is “inexcusable” to ignore these issues and that’s why UIDN helps immigrants with basic needs including food, health care, education, transportation, and advocacy. One of the organization’s first achievements was helping to make Kingston a sanctuary city for immigrants.
Alex spent the summer of 2023 volunteering with UIDN. He is a student at Wesleyan University.
