WHEREAS, in the United States it is legal for people who have fled their countries for fear of persecution or violence to apply for asylum, and one must be physically present or seeking entry into the country at a port of entry; and

WHEREAS, there are reports of permanent residents and asylum seekers who have been forcibly taken to countries other than their home nations in violation of US immigration law; and

WHEREAS, a guiding principle in the United States is the idea that the government cannot arbitrarily take away your rights and liberties, and that everyone has a right to defend themselves in court; and

WHEREAS, the removal of immigrants (including NYC students) from courtrooms, workplaces, city streets, and other spaces appears to be a violation of the basic human rights afforded to people in this country; and

WHEREAS, under New York law, all children ages 5 to 21 who have not received a high school diploma are entitled to public education regardless of their immigration status; and

WHEREAS, in the past month, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) has arrested and detained two New York City public students at their routine immigration court hearings; and

WHEREAS, arresting and detaining these students has interrupted their education and has caused fear among other students at ELLIS Prep in the Bronx and Grover Cleveland High School in Queens and beyond; and

WHEREAS, high school students should be studying for final exams, Regents exams and participating in end of year activities like prom, senior trips and graduation, not sitting in ICE detention cells; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the United Federation of Teachers will use its resources, advocacy, and voice to support the return of these students to their schools; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the UFT will continue to work with community partners and immigration advocacy groups as we search for ways to support our students and members as they navigate this rapidly changing situation; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the UFT will continue to speak out on behalf of any student who has been illegally detained; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the UFT will continue to work with partners to ensure that New York City remains a sanctuary city.