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By APB Staff Writer
October 20, 2017: New York City
Since its formation three decades ago, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) has been championing the rights of immigrants in the courts and on the streets of New York City.
At a gala to celebrate the organization’s 30th Anniversary, the NYIC honored Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Maria Elena Durazo, General Vice President of UNITE HERE and the Arab American Association of New York.
Noted Mr. Bahara, “as an immigrant and an American I’m pleased to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the New York Immigration Coalition. Organizations that protect opportunity and justice for all are what truly make this country great.”
“Immigrants must be treated with respect and their rights must be protected” said Maria Elena Durazo. “ This is what the New York Immigration Coalition fights for – in workplaces, in schools, in the White House and everywhere else. I am excited to celebrate 30 years of exemplary work,”
NYIC Executive Director Steven Choi remarked “our New York, and our path forward cannot be forged by us alone. If there’s one thing the NYIC has learned these last 30 years it’s that we are only successful when we work together; that New York is made stronger when all of us are welcome; and that we all benefit when everyone is given an equal opportunity to thrive.”
This year’s NYIC gala theme was “This is Our New York” – which is an ongoing campaign to reinforce the social, economic, and cultural value of immigrant communities.
And that theme was echoed in a peaceful march in Manhattan as NYIC members chanted and held placards advocating for laws, policies, and programs to support all New York City immigrants.