Westchester Reminds Undocumented Immigrants Of Rights

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Following the arrest last week of a Rockland man for selling fake green cards to undocumented immigrants living in Mount Kisco, Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino Jr. wanted to remind immigrants in Westchester about an important service the district attorney’s office provides with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

Scarpino said it was important for immigrants to know that all Westchester County residents have the right to live without being victimized by anyone and know they can report a crime committed against them or report a crime they have witnessed without fear, even if they don’t speak English, don’t understand the laws of the U.S. or are residing in the U.S. without legal status.

“Our office is here to help,” he said. “We will meet with people anywhere they feel comfortable and speak with them in any language.”

Scarpino said that he commended those who came forward to seek justice in the Mount Kisco case.

SEE ALSO: Arrest Made In Green Card Scam

“Because immigrants are often exploited for their vulnerability, we believe they should know their rights and seek help without fear of reprisal,” he said. “Most importantly, we want to make sure immigrants know they can reach out to our office whether they are victims of a crime or witnesses to a crime.”

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Hotline can be reached at 914-995-1616. Translators are available.

For more information, download the Immigrant Affairs PDF here.

Image via Shutterstock.