The Alianza Agricola and the Student Coalition for Migrant Workers (pictured above) led a forum on Tuesday on protecting the rights of migrant farm workers in the area. One of the main purposes of the forum was to promote the Green Light NY campaign which provides idenitifcation to undocumented immigrants (Josie Kwan/assoc. Photo editor).
Questions and concerns about the rights of migrant workers from the Geneseo community have been raised as a result of a recent forum and a campaign that will help them gain more rights.
Alianza Agricola—an activist group led by immigrant farm workers—along with the Student Coalition for Migrant Workers and other students gathered on Tuesday Oct. 23 for a forum on protecting migrant rights. The organizations were advocating for the “Green Light” campaign to provide driver’s licenses to undocumented residents.
Signs of protest at the front of the room illustrate the purpose of the Alianza Agricola, as they read “drivers licenses for all,” “support local, grassroots (im)migrants, refugee organizing” and “if Cuomo cared about immigrant NY, he’d pass green light.”
Shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, New York’s then-Governor George Pataki directed the DMV to stop issuing licenses to undocumented immigrants. Since 2002, those without social security numbers are denied access to licenses and registration of their vehicles.
“Green Light NY: Driving Together” is a campaign that wants New York State to restore equal access to driver’s licenses by passing Assembly Bill 4050 and companion legislation in the State Senate.
The push for legislation by the Green Light campaign would establish a “Real ID Complaint;” a two-tier driver’s license system for New York which includes a limited purpose driver’s license accessible to all state residents regardless of immigration status.
Co-president of Alianza Agricola Luis Jimenez underscored the importance and directive of the group.
“We are a group of farm workers especially from the close by counties: Livingston, Ontario, Genesee and Wyoming,” Jimenez said. “The majority of the workers in the Alianza Agricola are dairy farm workers. As many of you know, it has been a struggle for us to advocate for our rights. That is why we had the idea to create this group, so that we could advocate for ourselves.”
Information about one’s rights when stopped by immigration officers was distributed at the forum. The story of Carlos Cardona, co-founder and co-president of the Alianza Agricola, who was handed over to border control by Attica police for not having a valid driver’s license was also shared. He now faces deportation and separation from his wife and three-year-old daughter.
“For us, being farmworkers, we run a lot of risks,” Cardona said. “One of which is that we are not recognized at the state level as workers. In the eyes of the law, we don’t have rights. We know that we can change that by organizing and raising our voice. I think it is very important as students that you be allies to us in our struggle.”
Alianza Agricola was formed two years ago and is becoming more and more recognized every day, according to Jimenez.
The Student Coalition for Migrant Workers helps connect the local immigrant worker community and the Geneseo student body through community building and advocacy. Co-president of the Student Coalition for Migrant Workers senior Mary Rutigliano emphasized the importance of this forum.
“Our role as a solidarity group is to be uplifting and highlighting the voices of those who are directly affected by these issues,” Rutigliano said. “Movements are most effective when they are led by directly impacted people. I think that what really makes an impression on students is the realization that issues surrounding immigration are happening right here in Geneseo.”
According to a 2017 analysis by the Fiscal Policy Institute, New York State and County governments will receive an annual $57 million in annual revenue, and $26 million in one-time revenue through taxes and fees if limited purpose drivers’ licenses were available. Furthermore, New York State’s economy will boost as thousands of people purchase cars and workers overcome barriers to transportation that prevent them from reaching higher level job opportunities.
“Agricultural work is the lowest paying work in the state, and that is because we are not covered by the normal labor protections that most jobs are, as well as being unprotected in regard to human rights,” Allianza Agricola member Servando Santiago said. “It is not easy to get to this state. I did not come because I wanted to see New York, I came because I needed to find work and support my family.”
The 2005 Real ID Act allows states to develop a multi-tier driver’s license system and be in compliance with laws regarding undocumented immigrants. Many states have successfully implemented this system, including Vermont and Connecticut, according to the New York Immigration Coalition.
“I am glad I came to this forum,” anthropology major junior Mythili Hareendran said. “I have heard lots of information about immigration issues, but I have never heard for myself perspectives of those directly affected. It was heartbreaking and eye opening to see how honorable their work is, yet the lack of representation of that work.”