Wants Federal Immigration Court in Westchester to Help with Migrant Crisis
On May 30, Westchester County Executive George Latimer discussed a proposal he has sent to the Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, in which Latimer calls for the creation of a Federal Field Immigration Court in Westchester County. This proposal echoes a plan outlined by Latimer during a previous Westchester Weekly Update. This innovative approach aims to address the complex and pressing challenge of immigration management with compassion and respect for those individuals seeking refuge.
County Executive George Latimer today discussed a proposal he has sent to the Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, in which Latimer calls for the creation of a Federal Field Immigration Court in Westchester County. This proposal echoes a plan outlined by Latimer during a previous Westchester Weekly Update. This innovative approach aims to address the complex and pressing challenge of immigration management with compassion and respect for those individuals seeking refuge.
The letter includes, “I would like to propose the establishment of a Federal Field Immigration Court to handle asylum seekers in Westchester County. By providing a local venue for processing these applications, we can ensure individuals receive due process and fair consideration of their claims in a timely manner.
“My goal, which we all share, is to alleviate the burden on existing immigration courts and help reduce the backlog of asylum cases. To staff the Field Court effectively, I would recommend recruiting retired judges and individuals with legal experience.
“Additionally, I reiterate my call for a faster timetable to provide work permits to asylum seekers. To suspend families for long periods of time with no way to support themselves benefits no one.
We can create a path towards self sufficiency and successful integration. I believe that our approach to immigration should reflect our nation’s values of compassion, fairness and respect for human rights,” said Latimer.
