New York now prohibits its state agencies from seeking information from people about their immigration status after an executive order was signed Friday.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, said in a statement he wants to prevent people from "unwarranted targeting" while in the Empire State.
"As Washington squabbles over rolling back sensible immigration policy, we are taking action to help protect all New Yorkers from unwarranted targeting by government," Cuomo said. "New York became the Empire State due to the contributions of immigrants from every corner of the globe and we will not let the politics of fear and intimidation divide us."
The executive order reads in part:
"No state officers or employees, other than law enforcement officers … shall inquire about an individual's immigration status unless … The status of such individual is necessary to determine his or her eligibility for a program, benefit, or the provision of a service … or The State officer or employee is required by law to inquire about such individual's status."
The order also prevents state employees, including members of law enforcement, from disclosing "information to federal immigration authorities for the purpose of federal civil immigration enforcement, unless required by law."
The immigration debate has heated up in recent weeks in the wake of the Trump administration's decision to end the Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in six months. The delay will allow lawmakers to write and pass permanent legislation on the matter.
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