This statement can also be found at the end of our platform, which can be found here.
Our Commitment: We stand firmly against unconstitutional deportations that violate due process, sow fear, and undermine the rule of law in our community. The U.S. Constitution protects all “persons,” not just citizens, under the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of due process.
Our Values: We affirm that every individual deserves dignity, legal representation, and constitutional protection. Defending immigrant rights defends everyone’s liberty.
Local Action Recommendations:
1. Protect Due Process: Support ordinances preventing local police from aiding federal immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. Require ICE to give 24-hour notice before operations in the city.
2. Expand Legal Aid and Education: Coordinate through partnerships with non-profits to support immigrant rights education and legal defense, including backing Assembly Bill A270 to guarantee immigration court counsel, and advocate expanding protections to administrative removals.
3. Health and Safety Protections: Ensure schools, hospitals, and city agencies do not inquire about immigration status, promoting community safety and trust.
4. Residency Validation: Allow residents who have lived in the city for two years to document and confirm their residency to protect against expedited removals.
Federal Demands:
Fix Our Immigration System Now: We urge immediate bipartisan action to reform immigration laws based on the following principles:
• Clear Backlogs: Rapidly hire staff to reduce USCIS processing times to 1–2 years.
• Path to Citizenship: Create a fair 8-year process combining a 5-year green card path and a 3-year citizenship track for long-term residents.
• Job Training Investment: Fund skills training in critical industries to strengthen the economy and uplift working-class Americans.
• Humane Border Solutions: Build documented, humane pathways for immigration while securing borders to prevent dangerous crossings.
Fix Expedited Removal & Protect Due Process:
• Limit expedited removal to within 50 miles of the border and within 6 months of entry.
• Repeal use of the Aliens Enemies Act for immigration enforcement.
• Require judicial warrants and hearings for all deportations, not ICE supervisors.
• Allow State Attorneys General to challenge unconstitutional enforcement.
Conclusion: Saratoga Springs thrives when we uphold fairness and constitutional rights for all. We proudly commit to protecting the dignity, liberty, and due process of every resident, staying true to the framers’ vision that all persons deserve life, liberty, and justice.