By Joann Ariola
Sanctuary City laws are destroying the Big Apple. It’s no secret that the misguided legislation – first implemented during the Koch administration and then reinforced by de Blasio’s calamitous decision to limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – has allowed an unchecked flow of migrants to pour into our city and forced our taxpayers to foot the bill.
Together, however, we can take the steps necessary to repeal this disastrous piece of legislation, and help get New York City back to a state of normalcy. On Monday, July 22, the NYC Charter Revision Commission will be at the Queens Public Central Library in Jamaica at 89-11 Merrick Blvd. from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to listen to public testimony on the impact sanctuary city laws have had on New Yorkers. Based on what they hear, those officials have the power to put a referendum on the ballot on
Nov. 5 – a referendum which will let voters decided whether or not we want to remain a sanctuary city going forward.
The courts have failed us. The state and federal governments have failed us. It’s time that we finally get a say in what is going on in our communities, and a referendum allows for exactly that. This is the opportunity for all of you to get in there and really make your voices heard to make a difference.
I know that getting to Jamaica is not the most convenient thing to do. Of course, it would be much easier to simply type up and email and send it off, but what we really need is a show of manpower. We need city leaders to physically see the amount of people who are willing to travel and go out of their way to take a stand for our city. Emails are great, but they lack the “umph” that a packed room full of people – all united together for a common cause – has. By showing up in large numbers, we send a powerful message that we are serious about wanting change.
This is our big chance to make a difference. One night of your time can help to change the course of the city’s trajectory. So I ask all of you to join me in Jamaica on July 22, and let’s all do our part to make these sanctuary city laws a thing of the past. Your presence at the meeting is crucial. We must demonstrate that the citizens of New York City are no longer willing to accept policies that compromise our safety and burden our resources. Let’s come together and make our voices heard loud and clear. This is our city, and we have the right to shape its future.
Ariola (R-Ozone Park) is a City Councilwoman representing the 32nd Council District, which includes Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Glendale, Forest Park, Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Broad Channel, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, Neponsit, Roxbury, Fort Tilden, and Breezy Point.
