Council hears advocates for Access to Representation and New York for All bills

Advocates for immigrant legal representation and limits on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement addressed councilors during the May 12 informal session.

Meridian, campaign coordinator with the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement, and other advocates described the Access to Representation Act as legislation that would create a statewide program to ensure counsel for eligible individuals in immigration proceedings. "The Access to Representation Act would be a first in the nation," Meridian said, urging local support for a statewide expansion of representation options.

Speakers also described the New York for All legislation, which would limit state and local agencies from sharing sensitive information with federal immigration enforcement and restrict local participation in immigration enforcement agreements. Community organizers said the proposals would reduce fear in immigrant communities and encourage reporting of domestic violence, medical needs and other public‑safety contacts.

The council heard questions about how a statewide program would be structured and whether representation would be delivered through public defenders, nonprofit legal services, or a combination of entities. Advocates said models could include publicly funded attorneys or accredited representatives supervised under Department of Justice rules.

Councilors did not record a formal vote during the informal meeting; speakers asked the council to adopt supportive resolutions or otherwise communicate the city’s position to state legislators and urged prompt action on the bills.