Not only that, after the September 11 attacks on this country, he
volunteered as a recovery worker at Ground Zero. Like so many other
workers there, due to his sacrifice, he developed acute respiratory
issues from the toxic fumes and other illnesses that have put his life
in jeopardy. Unfortunately, although he is married to an American citizen, he was
unable to adjust his immigration status because of his decades-old
conviction. However, he was allowed to stay in the country in
recognition of his services after 9/11, as long as he checked in
periodically with immigration authorities, which he did. But shortly after President Trump took office, Mr. Cardona was
detained after appearing for a routine appointment with ICE, and he was
placed in deportation proceedings and in custody. It was only thanks to
a major public campaign and the compassion of Governor Cuomo, who
pardoned his almost 30-year-old drug conviction, that he was released. Under this legislation, had Mr. Cardona been deported and then
illegally reentered the country to see his wife and daughter, he would
face up to 10 years in prison because of his decades-old prior
conviction. Even if he presented himself to border agents and sought
asylum, on the reasonable basis that he had reasonable fears because,
in fact, two of his brothers back in Colombia have been murdered, he
would still be subject to prosecution and massive penalties, just for
appearing at the border. This is both callous and irrational. This bill would dramatically
expand the mass incarceration of immigrants, even for those with minor
offenses and those who simply seek refuge in our country. It serves no purpose, increases no one's safety, and I urge my
colleagues to oppose this cruel legislation.
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