A8837C

The New York State Senate unanimously passed Assembly Bill 8837C, legislation establishing a comprehensive program to support foreign-born active duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families in securing legal immigration status and citizenship. The bill passed 60-0 and takes effect 150 days after becoming law. Sponsored by Assemblymember Cruz and championed by Senators Fernandez and Ashby, the measure is named after Staff Sergeant Alex R. Jimenez, a New York native of Dominican descent who was captured and killed during deployment in Iraq while his immigrant wife faced deportation. The bill had previously been vetoed by the Governor, who cited concerns about duplication, but sponsors argued it would be the first program of its kind in the nation. Sen. Fernandez called it an opportunity to honor Jimenez's legacy and ensure immigrant military families are not left behind. Sen. Ashby praised the legislation as a chance for New York to lead on an often divisive issue.