Law to stop unjust deportations now in effect

A new immigration law aimed at stopping unjust deportations went into effect in New York City today. Under the legislation, undocumented immigrants who have not been convicted of a crime, have no criminal

News 12 Staff

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Mar 21, 2012, 10:54 PM

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Updated 4,593 days ago

A new immigration law aimed at stopping unjust deportations went into effect in New York City today.

Under the legislation, undocumented immigrants who have not been convicted of a crime, have no criminal record or outstanding deportation warrants pending against them will be protected from deportation.

Immigration advocates say prior to the new law, families were often torn apart by unjust deportations.

"This could stop hundreds, if not thousands, of unjust deportations," says Ana Chireno, of Make the Road New York.

City Councilwoman Christine Quinn says the new law sends a strong message that the city will not allow innocent people who pose no threat to be unfairly detained and thrown out of the country.