[To view video of the press conference, click here.]

Corona, NY – Today, in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Queens Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas and advocates announced at Corona Plaza the launch of a campaign to pass the New York Connect And Recognize Every Survivor (CARES) Act. This important bill, A8318/S7789 would provide temporary assistance, safety net, and medical assistance to undocumented victims of crime, including victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and torture. 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 noted that in their experience it takes 2 years for a response to a t visa (human trafficking-related) application and up to 10 years for a response to a u visa (serious crimes-related) application. The Assembly Member noted that as the representative of the neighborhood, she is well aware of the harms and dangers of human trafficking and that is why she has introduced the bill. She is the Chair of the Assembly’s Subcommittee on Human Trafficking and is joining with State Senator Cordell Cleare, advocates, and attorneys to call attention to the gap in services and support for victims of crime who are noncitizens.

“Human trafficking is a serious and heinous crime, and we must do everything we can in New York to address it. During this human trafficking awareness month, 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 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!” 

Attendees and speakers included Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (D/WFP-Jackson Heights), Leigh Latimer, Legal Aid Society; Anita Teekah, Latino Justice PRLDEF; Marc Valinoti, Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC); Emily Sun, Her Justice; and Cara Levine The Anti-Violence Project.

By providing public benefits during such times as crime victims await legal status, New York State would join California, Illinois, and a handful of other states that realized crime survivors need assistance and support, not continued condemnation and suffering. Data points to noncitizens experiencing higher rates of domestic violence, human trafficking, torture, and other serious crimes and forms of violence.

"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.”