In what appears to be a response to the aggressive actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over the past year, Teamster Joint Council 16 has announced that it will serve as a sanctuary union for undocumented immigrants who are currently working and living in New York City. To shield these members from adverse actions by ICE, the labor union will not collect information that could potentially be used by the agency against these vulnerable individuals.
A Response to the Deportation Threat
In 2017, ICE deported a member of Teamster Joint Council 16 who had been a member of the union for more than 25 years. This action prompted an assertive response from the Teamsters that included lobbying for added protections for immigrants from employers, setting up workshops to help undocumented workers resolve their immigration issues and the latest move to prevent ICE from accessing information that could prove harmful to undocumented members of the union.
Taking Care of Their Own
The Teamsters has a proud history of welcoming immigrants and providing them with representation to ensure fair wages and safer working environments in New York City. The latest moves to protect undocumented workers by the union are in the same spirit and are intended to provide a greater sense of security for members of this illustrious organization. In many cases, the workshops offered by Teamster Joint Council 16 could encourage workers to seek help from a qualified New York immigration lawyer to resolve any outstanding issues with their status and to protect their right to remain in the U.S. legally.
The New York immigration attorneys At Pozo Goldstein, we offer expert guidance and support for immigrants in the New York City area. Our dedicated team of legal professionals includes two former immigration prosecutors and a former judge, allowing us to provide the most effective representation for your case. Call us today at 212-201-9031 to schedule a consultation with us. We look forward to the chance to work with you and your family.
