Kirsten Gillibrand- New York’s newest senator- has announced that she will ease her hard-line stance on immigration.As we mentioned last month, Gillibrand came under fire from immigrants rights groups over her conservative views on immigration during her time in the House of Representatives.
After meeting with several New York City Latino politicos yesterday, Gillibrand said that she would change her mind and oppose mass raids and deportations of illegal immigrants. In addition, she announced that she would be in favor of a path to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants and would back funding for the DREAM Act.
Gillibrand has not changed her mind on all issues regarding immigration, however; she said that she would keep pushing for English to become the official language of the U.S.
Gillibrand’s apparent about face was met with cautious optimism by pro-immigrants groups and local Latino leaders. "I'm not saying that I'm convinced…She is asking for a chance to demonstrate where she is going to be when it comes to immigration" said Assemblyman Peter Rivera after meeting with her yesterday.
An editorial in New York City’s largest Spanish-language daily expressed hope that Gillibrand’s words turn into actions:
Gillibrand showed a willingness to engage communities that have not been on her radar. She also understands the doubts people have about her. The best way to get people over that skepticism is for her to deliver on the pledges she made and stand firmly for vulnerable families.Image- New York Daily News (“Vice President Joe Biden swears in Kristen Gillibrand as the junior senator from New York in a mock ceremony.”)
Online Sources- The Latin Americanist, New York Daily News, NY1, WNYC, newsday.com, El Diario/La Prensa
