Bill de Blasio on Immigration NYC Mayor; Democratic Presidential Challenger (withdrawn)

11 million immigrants are here now and part of America

Undocumented folks core to our economy

Immigration policy & crisis does not reflect our values

Supports sanctuary cities; would abolish ICE

Created city ID so undocumented immigrants get healthcare

De Blasio believes everyone should be guaranteed the right to health care, including undocumented immigrants.

As mayor, de Blasio pushed to make New York City a so-called "sanctuary city" that limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It's a practice the Trump administration has vigorously opposed. He also announced a health care plan and created a city ID for undocumented immigrants. Under de Blasio, the city also sued the Trump administration when it attempted to withhold of federal grants that were tied to cooperation with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

End cooperation & presence of ICE in NYC

Protect DACA immigrants, no matter what

NYC will always be the ultimate city of immigrants

Fight the inhumane detention of children at the border

Remember early in his administration when Trump tried to force us to ask New Yorkers their immigration status? And he thought he had us, because he threatened to block our law enforcement funding, the very money we use to keep New Yorkers safe. Guess what happened? We took him to court and we won.

Detaining Muslim travelers is simply un-American

DE BLASIO: No, there was no guidance. And that's why there is so much confusion here. But let's be clear. President Trump's executive order is simply un-American. It is suggesting that people's civil liberties can be taken away, even if they are green card holders,. I have read this executive order. It makes no distinction if someone is already recognized on the pathway to citizenship. It makes no distinction if you have served in the U.S. military previously. You still can be detained. In this country, the notion of detention without due process, without probable cause, violates our constitutional norms. And the exception for individuals suggests, bluntly, non-Muslims: that should be very, very worrisome, as the first step towards a Muslim registry, which, again, would be un-American and unacceptable.

Greater outreach and assistance to immigrant entrepreneurs

Created privately-funded the DREAM fellowship

Universal City ID for services for undocumented immigrants

• Offer a Universal City ID Card to Residents: Bill de Blasio believes it's time for a city-backed ID card that will allow all residents--including undocumented immigrants--to access basic services like opening a bank account. These identification cards will also help foster better relations between the police and undocumented people, who often choose not to report crimes out of fear they may be deported.
• Allow Undocumented New Yorkers Access to Driver's Licenses: This will improve roadway safety by getting undocumented people who are already driving on our streets into driver's education classes and covered by auto insurance.
• End Cooperation With Federal 'Detainer Requests' For Minor Violations: The "federal detainer" process compels local police to hand over legal and undocumented immigrants to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--even for minor crimes committed years ago. [These should apply only to] those who have been convicted of serious felonies.