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Workers

Reintroduction of the 9/11 Immigrant Worker Freedom Act: A Pathway to Citizenship for Undocumented Workers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Grace Meng, and Adriano Espaillat have reintroduced the 9/11 Immigrant Worker Freedom Act, a legislation aimed at providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrant workers who assisted with clean-up and search-and-rescue efforts at Ground Zero following the September 11th attacks. The workers were exposed to hazardous materials and now face barriers to receiving the medical care they need. The legislation seeks to acknowledge the sacrifices made by these immigrants and provide them with the gratitude they deserve.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 9/11 Immigrant Worker Freedom Act aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented workers who assisted with clean-up and search-and-rescue efforts at Ground Zero.
  • The workers, mostly immigrants, were exposed to hazardous materials and now face barriers to receiving medical care.
  • Representative Ocasio-Cortez stated that the workers are "American heroes" who deserve a pathway to citizenship.
  • There are approximately 2,000 heroic immigrants who worked tirelessly to help clean-up and save lives at Ground Zero.
  • Many of these workers struggle with serious health issues, including diseases linked to asbestos exposure.
  • The legislation aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for these workers, who "put themselves in harm's way for New York and the nation."
  • Representative Espaillat stated that the strength of the nation is rooted in the hands and hearts of immigrants.

Statistics:

  • 2,000: Number of heroic immigrants who worked to help clean-up and save lives at Ground Zero.
  • 24 years: Time since the September 11th attacks, during which many immigrant workers have struggled with health issues and lack of medical care.
  • 1,000+ : Estimated number of workers who are now suffering from health issues.
  • 20+ years: Average time since asbestos exposure for workers; many are now experiencing related trauma and injury.

Sources:

  • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Grace Meng, and Adriano Espaillat. "Reintroduction of Legislation to Provide Pathway to Citizenship for Undocumented Workers." Press release, September 11, 2023.
  • Original text here: https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ocasio-cortez-espaillat-meng-reintroduce-legislation-provide-pathway

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