New York, NY – Today, in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Day and Month, Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, State Senator Cordell Cleare, and advocates called for the passage of legislation, A8318/S7789, which they’ve introduced and would provide temporary assistance to victims of crime who are noncitizens.

Victims of crime who are noncitizens and have suffered from serious crimes, including human trafficking, are not currently eligible under current law for any public benefits until they receive legal status. It can take years for crime survivors to receive legal documentation, during which time, they and their families, including children, have no access to or eligibility for food stamps or medical care, among other benefits. The legislation launched by the lawmakers and advocates would provide temporary assistance and medical assistance to victims of crimes covered by T (human trafficking-related) and U (serious crimes) visas, asylum, special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS), and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitions.

The United States Department of State estimates between 14,500 and 17,500 victims are trafficked within the United States each year and that an estimated 72% of these victims are immigrants.

The advocates have titled the bill the Connect And Recognize Every Survivor (CARES) Act.

“Human trafficking is a serious and heinous crime and we must do everything we can in New York to address it. On this human trafficking awareness day, I’m joining with Senator Cleare and advocates to call on our legislature to pass our bill, A8318/S7789 to provide temporary safety net and medical assistance to victims of crime who are noncitizens. If we are truly committed to addressing this human rights violation, then we must connect all survivors to the resources they need to stabilize their lives. Let's pass the CARES Act this session” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, Chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Human Trafficking.

Senator Cordell Cleare, prime sponsor, stated, “Non-citizens are among the most vulnerable human beings in the entire Empire State and they deserve every single measure of our protection and support.Sadly, we know that vile and repugnant human traffickers will seek to exploit any situation, which is why a comprehensive approach, including our Connect And Recognize Every Survivor (CARES) Act must be implemented now!”

"Public benefits can be lifesaving, particularly for vulnerable people who have experienced some of the worst trauma imaginable. This bill would help fill the devastating gap in benefits that currently traps so many people in poverty despite their eligibility for immigration relief," said Christine Clarke, Chief of Litigation and Advocacy at Legal Services NYC.

“For many crime survivors, the CARES Act may be the difference between life and death. Noncitizen survivors and their families have already experienced unimaginable trauma. That trauma should not be compounded by food insecurity, inability to work and lack of access to medical care. Providing baseline help while individuals await immigration relief is the humane thing to do,” said Anita Teekah, Chief of Advocacy at LatinoJustice PRLDEF.

“The CARES bill is a crucial step toward helping survivors of crime rebuild and stabilize their lives while awaiting legal status. Through the work we do we have seen that without this support, survivors are vulnerable to further trafficking, exploitation, and trauma. It is time for New York to work toward ending these cycles of violence and harm for some of our most vulnerable residents,” said the New York Anti-Trafficking Network. “We urge the legislature to pass bill A8318/S7789.”