Several restaurants and stores closed in New York City today to support the nationwide "Day Without Immigrants" protest. Workers walked off the job in a show of solidarity aimed squarely at President Trump's efforts to crack down on illegal immigration. Trump and his fellow Republicans are looking to build a wall along the border with Mexico, increase deportations and crackdowns from federal agents, and delay entry for those traveling from seven countries where the majority of residents are Muslim. City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito highlighted the need to protect immigrants during her final "State of the City" address today. She said, "We will not abandon our immigrant communities. They are members of our New York family. And we will continue to fight for their rights, safety, and security." Mark-Viverito wants to enhance the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agents, and build a coalition of sanctuary cities. What do you say? Do you support the "Day Without Immigrants" protests around the country today? Did you encounter any closed stores or restaurants? How vital are immigrants to our society, whether they are here legally or illegally? Do you welcome President Trump's ideas on immigration reforms or Speaker Mark-Viverito's attempt to protect these "members of New York's family?"
John Schiumo's Thoughts
The "Day Without Immigrants" protest is not new. It's just got a renewed sense of purpose because of President Trump. Will it make a difference to this White House? Of course not. The only thing that matters is whether it makes a difference at the polls four years from now.
Your Thoughts
I’m agree that ALL the criminal should be out…that’s the universal law… but hard working and honest people should be recognized and legalized!
Paolo
Why can't trump at least hear people's concerns other than his own? He needs to understand other people's needs and concerns besides the 1% rich. I totally support the demonstrations and protests by all immigrates, many do backbreaking work and jobs that most Americans feel are beneath them. Immigrants moved to America for a better life with opportunities for all and aren't afraid to work hard because they are so thankful to reside here. It's frightening to have a president who only hears his own needs and has no understanding of governmental checks and balances. Instead trump blames the media and everyone who's differences aren't in sink with his. He's unable to see beyond himself and has no concept about how governmental systems work. When will he learn that blaming the media and only citing false news facts and repeating himself over and over again.
Daryn
ONCE AGAIN,NY-1 HAS THE BEST AND MOST RELEVANT PROGRAM AT THIS PARTICULAR HOUR. THE RULING CLASS AND THE 'DEEP STATE' ONLY UNDERSTAND ECONOMIC ACTIVISM AND MILITANT RESISTANCE.
NETERU
THIS IS REDICULOUS, HOW CAN WE EVEN ALLOW PEOPLE TO WANT OUR CITIZENS DEPORTED? THEY MAY NOT BE CITIZENS ON RECORD BUT THEY ARE IN SPIRIT AND IN THEORY. Any American who lives here and loves the country is an American citizen. REPUBLICANS ARE UNAMERICAN, THEY SHOULD BE DEPORTED-let them start there own country, what I really want is the South to succeed, not a civil war, but the states who disagree with our democratic party to form there own country. Maybe then we wouldnt have this problem. I do agree with trump on one thing: THE MEDIA IS UNFAIR AND TERRIBLE, YOU GUYS ARENT TAKING MY CALL IT AUTOMATICALLY SAYS THE LINES BUSY AND YOU ARENT TAKING MY CALL. I am stated what is right there are sucvh thing as wrong facts and its republcians beliefs.
Pam UES
I do not suppory illegal immigration in any way. Let's have those citizens who support illegal immigration provide for the needs of these illegals with their own money.
Jill in Astoria
I understand that many people feel that people shouldn't be allowed to enter the country illegally. Most people that enter the country illegally enter in hopes of a better life. No one ever comes here thinking they're going to stay here forever, give immigrants accessibility to visas, the right to purchase social security cards and the ability to fly back home, I can almost guarantee that making immigrants go back home will not be an issue. Immigrants come here to improve their living situations in their homeland. If they are allowed to work here, and build back home, they will most likely go back home because they aren't entitled to the benefits that many are saying people come here to live off. Illegal immigrants don't have the right to Medicaid, food stamps, social security benefits, etc. Those who don't support the Day without Immigrants say that immigrants come here and take Americans jobs and that it's not fair to those immigrants who entered legally. What do illegal immigrants take from anyone?! People need to realize and understand that, the color of their skin doesn't change the fact that they're immigrants. More than half of the people who live off of government benefits are citizens who make living off welfare and food stamps a living.
Jovanna
I do support The fact that all immigrants across the country held a "day without immigrants" protest Because these immigrants today are trying everything they can to show the president that not all undocumented immigrants who are migrating to these countries for a better life are criminals and pose a threat to the country. Maybe some of these immigrants are not dangerous after all and plan no harm to this country. They are being banned for no reason. These immigrants who plan no harm to the country and are not criminals or dangerous people deserve a Chance in this country and should try all the ways they can to show the president that they are not dangerous after all and not criminals. They should give the president a message and show him that they deserve a Chance and are no harm to the country. That is why I believe that the immigrants did a wise job and held this day of protests. And no...I did not see any restaurants or stores closed in my area. Thanks for taking time to read my thoughts.
Jim, Jamaica queens
I don't see why Mayor deBlasio claims to be so supportive of Undocumented Immigrants and Refugees when this city have over 60 thousand homeless Americans and Veterans sleeping in the streets.
Charlene Midwood
Hi John, my neighbourhood was not effected by the protest, ban of 7 counties not a muslim ban there are some 51 predominately muslim country , those 7 I believe where radical islam took feet, thanks god Viverito soon to be gone , the protest would have been good opportunity to round up the illegals, the law breakers
Joseph from Sunnyside.
The other day I was in a local stationery store in Glen Oaks Village called SUNNIES. I had a discussion with two men named Bill and Bob. There were a number of issues we all felt most troubling. First we talked about the immigration issue and all the protests against the deportation by ICE of illegal immigrants. The way we see it the Trump administration is not against legal immigrants for that is what has made America great and still does. But those who come here illegally and have a history of breaking laws here and some who are violent offenders and convicted felons. Than there is the burning of the American flag at these protests, which Bill and myself have fought to defend during the Vietnam Era. Bill said," if they burned the flag of another county they would be in a lot of trouble and could face jail time." In addition there is the suppose leaks by the intelligence community which in my opinion is illegal. And yet none dare call it treason. And last week I spoke to a UPS driver named Ed in Mineola and know quite well who had similar grips. He mention the deportation of illegal immigrants occurred, took place in the Clinton and Obama administration. Yet no protests took place nor an attack on a president's policy. Now why is that ? I believe there are many more Americans with similar views. In closing let the truth set us free.
Frederick, Glen Oaks Village, N.Y.
I believe that this strike today was a great way to show Trump how much as Americans take immagrants for granted. I think that deciding to skip many jobs that are necessary was a terrific decision that took a lot of guts, because some employers could try to have them deported. I DID notice this ban today- I COULDN'T GET A TAXI! I tried all my apps like Uber and Gett and Juno, I COULDNT GET A CAR! I'm very happy though to see people actually followed through, and imagine no UBer, because most UBer drivers tend to be immagrants. It is just one of many jobs that are heavily immagrant oriented. I don't think that there should be no such thing as an illegal person, and I think that this must be terrifying, I live in a heavily immagrant neighborhood and I am fearing, I am an American but I also have friends and neighbors, and it scares me.
Alex
I am a 9/11 survivor. I am currently fighting a 5th cancer. That is due to my exposure to 9/11. And I refuse to agree with the travel ban. If I can feel this way than we should all agree not to blame an entire people. I believe that love will trump hate any day of the week.
A.J. East Village
Please just ask the illegal immigrants to pay a fine, issue them a SS card so they can pay tax, and please stop treating them like they are not human. America was built by immigrants so please lets not forget that. America need the man power and much more than that from immigrants (Albert Einstein is just one example).
Anand
It doesn't matter-when trump releases his NEW plan in a week it will be like a nuclear bomb of change! None of these immagrants will have jobs to steal. OUR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE KIDS WIL HAVE SUMMER JOBS AGAIN EARNING MONEY, instead of businesses hiring illegal immagrants to earn $2 but take all the jobs. Maybe let them stay in the country, thats fine, BUT they should be LAST PRIORITY W JOBS!
ANDY IN MANHATTAN BEACH
Today I thought was absolutely rediculous. I understand the message, and I thought it was very powerful and showed us the world through what Trump wants, howver as best said by Hillary, if immigrants werent here trumps buildings wouldnt be built, and i bet he wouldnt be the celeberty he was OR president. the whole pooint of our country is to be free and welcoming. however i think that these immagrants ARE IMPORTNT SHOULD BE APPRECIATED MORE however they should not be skipping commitments leaving parents in the dark, because there nannys were not showing up, However if they work in the hospiltality industry I understand it more, but people went out of there way to greatly effect others, and I think the boycott wasnt theright route of protest.
Corgi, Midwood
What happened today is just WRONG. The only people affected are employees and business owners. I respect people's right to protest but on the ads for "one day without immigrants" they were asking for kids to not go to school. Really? Public schools that teach them for free, and feed them lunch for free, without ever asking their legal status? Keep children and their education away from this. They should be ashamed.
Christian - Jackson Heights
Yes America was built by immigrants. Those were immigrants that were filtered thru Ellis Island and sometimes held and returned to their point of origin. Not by immigrants that swam here had a baby and collected welfare, food stamps and free Housing all while working off the books. The problem isn't that we have so many immigrants it's that the ones that built this country were far better than the ones that come here now. As usual the media is making Trump out to sound worse than what he is saying.
Diana Staten Island
I would like to say that everyone on this world belongs to only one race " the human race" there shouldn't be tags for people because our origins, religions, etc we as inmigrants contributed to this country in many ways, and many of us pay taxes so they can give it to the "americans" welfare section 8 etc.
Edison
Why Trump starts from the weakest?mass deportation does define US it is a wrong solution...Why not shake drug companies really robbing us! I do not support anything did so far...
Elizabeth Kew Gardens
I'm an immigrant, who became a Citizen about 10 years ago. Immigrants are the engine of this Country, and Trump pushing this immigration policy so hard got to be out of his mind. I call him a Trump because he doesn't deserve to be called President. Just imagine, if all immigrants stop working on all professions for a week at the same time; United States will experience the worst economy in history. 2017 looks like 1940's in Germany.
Fabio the Albanian American From Queens
Enter the country legally or be prepared to be deported. We have a right to know who is entering our country and to make sure they are not here to do us harm or sponge off the system. I'm not talking about refugees, but all these illegal immigrants who pour over the border and think they have an absolute right.
Frances EV
I'm an immigrant (English.) Came to this country when I was a child. My family went through the legal channels. Still, I'm EXTREMELY sympathetic to illegal immigrants. I value the work they do. They uniformly are wonderful people by all accounts and with all my interactions of a life living in NYC. HOWEVER, time & time again, the media, the politicians and your advocates for illegals, conflate illegal immigration with legal immigration. And you, the media, rarely correct the conversation. This only serves to drive the minuscule support I feel for Trump and his supporters. The man is loathsome but media is putting its fingers on the scale on this topic and it angers me.
Jenny, Murray Hill
When I went to my hospital appointment today, the taxis came on time, there wasn't no major delays in the service. The immigrants have a right to be here but they have to be here "legally", that's all President Trump is saying to them. The illegals can't be here because we don't know where they're coming from. We can't forget what happened on 9-11-01 or 2-26-93, everyone has to be vetted before they come here...
Herman Upper West Side
I don't think that the day without immigrants made any difference at all. I am not a Trump fan by any means and believe in legal immigration, but I do agree that something should be done about illegals. One person who was recently deported said that she had a good job working at the post office. How was she deserving of that job? As for Ms. Mark-Viverito, if she paid as much attention to all of her constituents as she paid to the illegals, life in the city would be a whole lot better.
Janet Harlem
imagrants have no right to protest respect our president you are only hurting yourselfs nothing will change....
luigi from whitestone queens
I support the workers who took off today. This President's First action to deport illegal immigrants, who has been here for so long, is heartless. Had Melania been deported she would not be first lady today.
Cindy, St. Albans
Impeach this President NOW , he's delusional. Revoke his citizenship and return him to Russia where he belongs!
Joe from Queens ...
The problem I see is that many come establish a business hire iilegals so they don't pay taxes or health insuranee to our country.
Jose
I did not notice any businesses closed in support of illegal immigration. The media conveniently leaves "illegal" out of their reporting. I am in full support of President Trump.
Kate Midtown east
I DO NOT SUPPORT CLOSING BUSINESSES OR STAGING A WORK STOPPAGE TO PROTEST THE LEGAL EXECUTIVE ORDER. STOP EQUATING THE U.S. IMMIGRATION PROBLEMS WITH THE WWII HOLOCAUST IMMIGRATION. Remember, countless people were turned away during and after WWII. Everyone had to have papers or have someone to sponsor them. Ellis Island had buildings for people who were ill and they were quarantined. THERE IS NO PLACE IN AMERICA FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. THEY NEED TO COME IN LEGALLY.
Marian, UES
My grandparents came here by boat They left a country that persecuted them just for their religion When they arrived they had to have papers They needed to interview They needed to pass a physical for health They were had to follow the rules Rules are in place to regulate and protect Period No one is exempt
Helene
Why does it seem like many media outlets, including you NY1, purposely omit the "Illegal/Undocumented" before the word "Immigrant." I agree with Tom from Astoria!
OC from Inwood
I don't think for the most part that people are saying that America should not be protected , but it's more about how he is delivering his messages without telling people that he will support people here legally and let people know what does that mean "legally" so people are not afraid and check for foul play and do background checks. Make a few criteria 1). Must pay taxes and have a soc.#also they must vote. But people should be allowed to be here.
Sandra in Brooklyn
My tattoo appointment was cancelled today, they closed the entire shop. Glad they did it, but sad for me, no tattoo!
Shannon Harlem
Any so called American president that agrees with Russia over us and has all Russian clan criminals in his cabinet , including himself is not American . And they should all get out of the white house. He is going after Muslims , legal and illegal. I could understand if they are high profiled criminals , but you don't rip families apart that were born here. He's a disgrace and he's not getting away with it.
Stephanie from ozone park queens
My fore-parents were not allowed to immigrate or emigrate they were brought against their will and they the slaves built America. WE ARE NOT ALL immigrants. So I really want to see the same out pour of support for police reform when the next African American person is killed by the police. Give those jobs to unemployed Americans who are still recovering from losing work. I support Trump
Stephanie from Corona
No I do support it. There are many other stores that are run by hard working citizen who support the government. People who do not respect our constitution or our laws can keep the stores closed and leave the country. I can cut my own grass.
Tony
I normally am skeptical of the Speaker's positions, but this was a good speech, and one I can't disagree with. Even if I felt that illegal immigration were remotely as serious a problem as Mr. Trump makes it out to be, I also believe that this city (and this country) could not survive without the undocumented aliens who are already here and their willingness to work, principally at jobs that very few native-born Americans are willing to consider doing. If there were something to add -- and I say this an I'm no bleeding heart (most of my neighbors think I'm the next thing to a Fascist) -- it would only be that the best thing that we can do in this country to deal with undocumented aliens is to make their lives and living conditions better while still finding ways to secure our border (but depend upon it, a wall won't work), and that means making conditions and opportunities in their countries of origin better. That would accomplish more than stationing troops on the border or constructing a 16-foot wall. As for Mr. Trump, I was perfectly happy to give him time before casting judgement about him as president (as opposed to being a candidate), but now I'm becoming convinced that, to put it politely, some loco-weed has gotten into his feed.
Bruce Upper West Side Manhattan
I'm glad people all around the U.S and specifically NYC showed support for a day without immigrants. This new orange clown in office is instilling fear in innocent undocumented immigrants who don't pose a threat to anyone. Half of my friends have come to the U.S at a young age and are here illegally and there needs to be new immigration reform to help these innocent people who could face deportation to a country they haven't been to since birth!!! This is not right
Veronica, Queens
this country was founded by immigrants we are all immigrants I was born here in the USA I'm hispanic I don't support Donald Trumps ban.I understand what he is trying to do but it's not right what he is doing and I don't support it.Im against his ban.We are strong and We won't give up We have a voice our voice will be heard.
Victor from Orange county NY