News
Immigration Reform and Haiti Relief Among State of the City Priorities
by Bob Hennelly
NEW YORK, NY January 20, 2010 —Mayor Bloomberg will lay out priorities for his third term during the annual State of the City address today. WNYC's Bob Hennelly has this preview.
REPORTER: In today's speech Mayor Bloomberg will elaborate on his inaugural address commitment to work for comprehensive immigration reform. The mayor plans to mobilize a pro-immigrant campaign that will build on the same national strategy he used to organize hundreds of the nation's mayors to combat illegal handguns.
In the short term he'll follow up on President Obama's move last week to let undocumented Haitians in the U.S. get temporary protective status, permitting them to stay here for up to 18 months. The mayor will initiate a public-private partnership with city law firms, philanthropies, and community organizations to give Haitian New Yorkers legal and administrative support.
Bloomberg will make the case that granting Haitian immigrants temporary protected status will help them find legal employment and be able to send more money to their loved ones back home in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.
P.S. After yesterday's loss in Massachusetts for Democrats, I've realized what a HUGE mistake the DNC did in choosing Kerry over Howard Dean for the 2004 election. He's the only honest Democrat right now, speaking candidly, openly, and unapologetically encouraging a progressive agenda. This country needs people who stand their ground and fight for true democratic principles. Howard/Bloomberg would be a great presidential combo. But what do I know? I'm just an immigrant.
