AOC Revives Push for 9/11 Migrant Heroes
Bill would give green cards to Ground Zero cleanup workers still left undocumented 24 years later.
WASHINGTON — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., along with Reps. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., and Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., today reintroduced the “9/11 Immigrant Worker Freedom Act,” legislation that would give lawful permanent residency—and eventually citizenship—to immigrant workers who risked their lives in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The bill would cover undocumented individuals who performed rescue, recovery, demolition, or cleanup work at Ground Zero, the Staten Island Landfill, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville, Pa., crash site. Many of those workers, often hired off the books, were exposed to toxic air and carcinogens, leaving them with long-term illnesses but without legal status or access to federal health care programs.
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“Twenty-four years ago, thousands of undocumented first responders and volunteers risked their lives to help our city rebuild during one of our nation’s darkest days. They are American heroes,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “Yet, our country has virtually abandoned them as they struggle with the health impact of asbestos exposures and other related trauma and injury. It’s past time Congress delivers a pathway to citizenship for these brave New Yorkers and shows them the gratitude they are owed.”
Rep. Meng said roughly 2,000 immigrants “worked tirelessly to help clean up and save lives at Ground Zero,” despite the risks. “They made enormous sacrifices by putting their health and safety at risk, and now many struggle with serious health issues,” she said. “They put themselves in harm’s way for New York and the nation and have more than earned a pathway to citizenship.”
Espaillat, who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, framed the bill as a matter of recognition: “Many immigrant workers—undocumented and unseen—stepped forward to help rebuild, clean, and care for a city and nation in crisis,” he said. “Their courage, sacrifice, and determination were vital to our recovery, and their contributions during that critical time is a lasting reminder that the strength of this nation is rooted in the hands and hearts of immigrants.”
The bill would allow eligible workers to apply for permanent residency within 18 months of enactment, receive work authorization while their cases are pending, and seek fee waivers if unable to afford application costs. It also prohibits information from applications from being shared with immigration enforcement agencies.
Though versions of the bill have been introduced in past Congresses, none have advanced. The reintroduction comes just ahead of the 24th anniversary of the attacks, underscoring the push by New York Democrats to elevate the long-neglected plight of immigrant responders.
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Documented NY had the scoop on the bill this morning. Read this excellent reporting by Amir Khafagy
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