New York’s marijuana arrest crusade began more than 20 years ago. Since then, police departments across the state have arrested over 800,000 New Yorkers for low-level marijuana possession offenses. What’s worse, many of these arrests were the product of an unconstitutional stop. Today, thousands of New Yorkers are still being burdened by these arrests even after the Governor and law enforcement officials admitted they were wrong!
This week, the New York State Assembly passed a landmark piece of legislation to provide some reprieve for those who have been most criminalized in our state. The responsibility for pushing this bill forward now falls to the Senate and the Governor, who have an opportunity to right a wrong by sealing these arrests. This sealing legislation has also taken on increased importance amid the Trump Administration’s rhetoric and actions targeting immigrant communities. Simple marijuana possession is the fourth most common cause of deportation at the national level, and sealing records will provide a measure of protection for non-citizens by making it difficult or impossible for immigration authorities to meet their legal burden of proof for a judge to find a lawful permanent resident deportable.
Join us in Albany on Tuesday, February 28 as we demand reprieve for the harm that has been caused and advocate for legislative solutions to keep New York families together.
CLICK HERHE TO RSVP
What: Press Conference
When: Tuesday, February 28 at 11:30am
Where: Great Western Staircase (Million Dollar Staircase), New York State Capitol, Albany, New York
Who: Drug Policy Alliance, VOCAL NY, Immigration Defense Project, advocates, community members, and impacted people
Please feel free to contact Fred Wright at 646-321-5282 or jeremy@vocal-ny.org.