N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 9 § 8.170
WHEREAS, New York State will remain true to the ideals that founded this country, and will continue to welcome immigrants as a source of energy, and celebrate them as a source of revitalization for our State; and
WHEREAS, New York State's residents make up one of the nation's most diverse communities, as over 4.3 million immigrants reside within the State and over twenty percent of the State's population is foreign-born; and
WHEREAS, immigrants residing in New York State are an essential part of the economic fabric of this State, as over 29% of all business owners in New York are foreign-born, such businesses generate millions of dollars in total net income, and the combined purchasing power of immigrant communities exceeds $165 billion dollars; and
WHEREAS, the reporting of unlawful activity by immigrant witnesses and victims is critical to strengthening ties between immigrants and law enforcement, reducing crime, and enhancing the State's ability to protect the safety of all of its residents; and
WHEREAS, the New York State Constitution and the New York State Human Rights Law protect individuals from discrimination on the basis of national origin in the areas of education, benefits, employment, housing, and public accommodation, and the State is committed to enforcing those protections to the fullest extent of the law; and
WHEREAS, State government has a responsibility to ensure that services are provided equally, and consistent with civil rights laws, to all individuals eligible to receive them; and
WHEREAS, access to State services is critical to the vitality and well-being of immigrant communities and their continued integration into the State's economic, civil, and cultural life; and
WHEREAS, providing State services to immigrant communities is necessary to meet the needs of the State's diverse population, to maintain public confidence in State government and its agencies, and to comply with State and Federal civil rights laws; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ANDREW M. CUOMO, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of New York, do hereby order as follows:
Signed: Andrew M. Cuomo
Dated: September 15, 2017
Executive Order No. 170.1
Amendment to Executive Order 170 - State Policy Concerning Immigrant Access to State Services and Buildings.
WHEREAS, access to State services is critical to the well-being of immigrant communities and their integration into the State;
WHEREAS, New York State remains committed to welcoming immigrants as vital and respected members of our State;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Executive Order No. 170, it is the policy of the State that State officers or employees shall not inquire about an individual"TMs immigration status unless necessary to determine eligibility for a program, benefit, or provision of a service, or disclose information to federal immigration authorities for the purpose of federal civil immigration enforcement unless required by law;
WHEREAS, the State has a recognized interest in maintaining the safety and security of its facilities to ensure that all residents have equal access to State programs, benefits, and services and must implement policies in furtherance thereof;
WHEREAS, federal immigration authorities have increasingly conducted immigration enforcement activity in sensitive spaces crucial to immigrants"TM full participation in the economic, civil, and cultural life of the State;
WHEREAS, immigration enforcement activity in these spaces create a chilling effect, preventing immigrants from fully participating in the State;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ANDREW M. CUOMO, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim and order as follows:
N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 8.170