If you are an organization on Staten Island … Many of these new residents have settled in neighborhoods along the borough’s North Shore, building bustling enclaves with restaurants, shops, cultural centers, and other businesses. This site is meant as a central resource for the Staten Island Immigrant Council. Staten Island: Europeans weren't given any legal authority to settle in Aquehonga Manacknong, as I was originally called (imagine someone coming into your home and taking it away from you or forcing you to accept $1 to purchase your house). Statewide collections are found on the New York Immigration Records page. Staten Island: Times have changed, but the cycles of fear and hatred towards immigrants, largely tied to economic insecurity, has not. While many of the small businesses along Port Richmond Avenue were forced to shutter due to competition from the Staten Island Mall, a string of Mexican-owned and -operated shops have replaced older businesses and are thriving. Bienvenido! Under the Trump Administration, immigration is constantly in the news. Julia convinced her parents to let her create the first (albeit tiny) Sri Lankan Museum on the lower level of Lakruwana Restaurant, the critically acclaimed eatery they run on the corner of Bay and Broad streets. Staten Island was home to the Marine Hospital quarantine station that … But your state may let you vote during a designated early voting period. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. During the warmer months, many community members can be found in the area’s parks, with some playing soccer matches in Stapleton Playground. To date, we have raised $1,100 towards our goal of $5,000. The accident attorneys at Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Lawin Staten Island, New York, exclusively handle any type of personal injury claims resulting from an accident.With a staff of more than 20, we have been successfully fighting for just compensation for you for more than 45 years. In the 1850s, the “Know Nothing” party gained power as they exploited anti-immigrant sentiment to target Irish, German, and Italian new arrivals. The borough’s immigrant population has shifted over the course of time. We use to be a nation that celebrated the Statue of Liberty. There are still thousands of undocumented immigrants living here on Staten Island that come not just from Mexico but also Italy, Russia, Poland, Albania, Liberia. To find out about upcoming events or important information please check out our News portion. Staten Island may hold the title for the city’s second-largest borough in terms of land mass, but it’s historically lagged behind the other boroughs in terms of sheer number of residents—and diversity. “But he had friends on Staten Island and eventually found that there was more opportunity for him here.”. Indeed, the current Republican congressman’s own great grandfather came here without legal status. “When my father first came here, he lived in Manhattan,” explains his 18-year-old daughter, Julia Wijesinghe. Immigrants from Ireland arrive for processing at Ellis Island. USA (1,111,104) > New York (57,885) > New York Immigration Records (462) > Staten Island Immigration Records (9). Now, Staten Island is home to thriving immigrant communities with residents from Liberia, Mexico, and Sri Lanka. How can I report it? (hint - with history). Staten Island NY Immigration Records. 311 can also connect New York City residents to the New York State New Americans Hotline. “It wasn’t as alarming as in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and other places.”. [Residents] don't know what's coming next.”. Staten Island’s Original “illegal” Immigrants, Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter. Staten Island, NY 10301 Immigration. Visit your state election office website to find out whether they offer early voting. The Council currently meets every third Thursday of the month. Note: This page primarily lists records kept at the county level. ©2020 Verizon Media. Today, we have people shouting “Build the Wall” to Latino families. With more than 8,000 Liberian immigrants residing in Staten Island’s Park Hill, Clifton, and Stapleton neighborhoods, the island is among the largest Liberian enclaves of any city outside of Africa. Over the years, they grew to love the borough, and have no plans of permanently returning to Sri Lanka. Unless you are a descendent of the Lenape nation who originally inhabited Staten island, all on Staten Island are the original “illegal” immigrants. Special to the Advance. In 1843, famed writer Henry David Thoreau observed from Grymes Hill a ship arriving in New York harbor: “I see [immigrants] stretching their limbs and taking the air on this piece of the land of liberty.” Today, over one-third of the borough's foreign-born residents come from countries in Europe, led overwhelming by Italy and followed by people born in Russia and Poland. Nicole: I don't care. According to City Limits, an accountant named Leslie Gunaratne is believed to be the first Sri Lankan immigrant to settle on the island, back in 1967. In a New York Daily News piece from February, Reverend Edmund Whalen from the neighborhood’s St. Roch Catholic Church said, “There is a sense of uncertainty. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, 62 percent of Staten Island residents identify as white, 18 percent as Hispanic or Latino, 12 percent as black, and 8 percent as Asian. Immigrants were always seen as a threat to national security. Staten Island: Europeans weren't given any legal authority to settle in Aquehonga Manacknong, as I was originally called (imagine someone coming into your home and taking it away from you or forcing you to accept $1 to purchase your house). Under today’s outdated immigration system there is simply no "right way" available for millions of people (unless the U.S. grants amnesty like it did for the Cubans.) Some of their favorite activities to do around the neighborhood include visiting the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple on Bay Street, shopping at the Staten Island Mall, and watching cricket matches in Clove Lakes Park. “Many Liberians actually lived in Rhode Island first, but they spread to Newark and New York. For your voice to be heard, in most states you must register before you can vote. Below, meet some of these residents and find out how they’re putting their own stamp on Staten Island. Human Rights First (212) 845-5200 75 Broad St, 31st Floor New York, NY 10001 Immigration. I will always be a welcoming land to all people, continuing the tradition that makes Staten Island great. – July 18th at 7pm – New Dorp Moravian Church. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. More recently, under the new presidential administration, a crackdown on undocumented immigrants has sparked federal immigration raids on Staten Island—and instilled fear among the Port Richmond community. You don't need an excuse to vote early. USA (1,111,104) > New York (57,885) > Staten Island (496) > Staten Island Immigration Records (9) . We hope to continue to expand the site as a resource for all. Now, the space is filled with treasures she collects on her annual trip back to Sri Lanka, along with items from her parents’ personal collection. CAMBA (718) 287-2600 1720 Church Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11226 Immigration, Domestic Violence, Family and Health Care. By LYNN ROGERS. You can help us achieve—or even exceed—that goal. In Tompkinsville, one of the most prevalent immigrant groups is from the South Asian island of Sri Lanka. If you need to flag this entry as abusive. With more than 8,000 Liberian immigrants residing in Staten Island’s Park Hill, Clifton, and Stapleton neighborhoods, the island is among the largest Liberian enclaves of any city outside of Africa. According to Brown, who once served as president of SILCA, the group operates a free food pantry that welcomes Liberians and non-Liberians, a small marketplace in the Park Hill Apartments, and plans the annual Liberian Independence Day celebration, which takes place in the summer. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. But the data alone hardly tells the whole story. From providing the community with test prep and applications for citizenship to educating them on their rights in the event of an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the organization is doing what it can to help out. It is your right and your responsibility. Residents in the neighborhood rely on support from local organizations like Make the Road New York to aid and guide them through these critical times. Restaurant owner Lakruwana Wijesinghe is one of those who migrated to New York during the ’80s. Mexicans and illegal immigrants are invading our borough. Each state has its own rules for mail-in absentee voting. People assume their family immigrated legally. This site is meant as a central resource for the Staten Island Immigrant Council. Polling hours on Election Day: Varies by state/locality. Welcome! In recent years, though, the community has faced a number of challenges. The population grew rapidly in the 1980s as many people fled to escape the Sri Lankan Civil War. MEM3.jpg. “Since the ICE raids started, businesses that depended on day laborers have been impacted,” explains a Port Richmond resident, who preferred to remain anonymous. Now we are a nation that wants to build a wall. Staten Island: Over the past few years, I sustained the highest percentage growth among the foreign-born. Staten Island: You are right. I’m not going anywhere.”, Staten Island Liberian Community Association. Your vote is your voice! Earlier Sri Lankan immigrants took a liking to the borough for its affordability and small-town vibe, but it’s the sense of community that is attracting newcomers and convincing them to stay put. In 1984, residents established the Staten Island Liberian Community Association (SILCA) to provide direct services while working with local officials to engage and advance Liberian residents. Staten Island: Looking at history you will find Staten Island’s rich history covers a full spectrum of immigrants traveling thousands of miles to give a better life to their families — and many didn't do it the “right way.". A small but significant cluster of restaurants and shops along Victory Boulevard make up what is known as Little Sri Lanka, serving as a hub for members of the community to connect with each other. Since Giovanni da Verrazano first sailed into my shores in 1524, I have always seen waves of newcomers. We made it easy for you to exercise your right to vote. Staten Island: Invading us? No human being is illegal. In 2010, racial tensions in the neighborhood escalated, resulting in a series of violent attacks on Mexican immigrants. Lakruwana met his wife, Jayantha, on the Staten Island Ferry (awww). Visit your state election office website to find out if you can vote by mail. “Africans don’t like the cold, so you won’t catch us out a lot in the winter,” says Brown. All rights reserved. We’ve seen this throughout history with signs indicating “Irish need not apply." Sometimes circumstances make it hard or impossible for you to vote on Election Day. The operators will take a report of your complaint and share it with prosecuting offices in New York City. To find out about upcoming events or important information please check out our News portion. Nicole: Unacceptable! Tap here to turn on desktop notifications to get the news sent straight to you. When asked if he plans to move in the foreseeable future, the 17-year Staten Island resident says, “I’m vested. Nicole: Maybe our ancestors didn't all come the legal way but today’s illegal immigrants threaten our national security. Unless you are a descendent of the Lenape nation who originally inhabited Staten island, all on Staten Island are the original “illegal” immigrants. The Park Hill Apartments, a public housing complex for low-income-earning families, is home to a large concentration of Liberians, but there are also many middle-income families who own homes in the area. I have been the victim of immigration fraud. If you are an organization on Staten Island and you would like to be a part of our Google Groups Email List, and also a part of the Staten Island Immigrants Council, please send an email to mirchix0x@gmail.com with the name of your organization, the person in charge of public resources, your address, telephone number and website address! For the Nov 3 election: States are making it easier for citizens to vote absentee by mail this year due to the coronavirus. Please consider making a generous investment in the 5 Year Anniversary Campaign of Migration Resource Center. When they got to Staten Island, they tried it and liked it,” says Deacon Telee Brown, a member of Staten Island’s Community Board 1. You Are Our Future. We hope to continue to expand the site as a resource for all. New York Legal Assistance Group, Inc. (212) 813-5000 7 Hanover Square, 18th Floor New York, NY 10004 Upcoming Event! Mission: To connect the immigrant communities of Staten Island and share resources and information within various organizations. Part of HuffPost News. As the borough’s population has grown over the past few decades, demographics have quietly shifted. Today is National Voter Registration Day! When many immigrants arrived in the United States decades ago, there were no requirements to have an existing family or employment relationship with someone in the country, and no requirement to obtain a visa before arriving, as is the case now. How would Staten Island herself respond to comments from some of today’s “long time” residents of Richmond County, like “Nicole”, on today’s hot button issue? The Council currently meets every third Thursday of the month. We are a nation of laws and immigrants must have legal authority to come here. Call the New York State New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636. There are plenty of reports during the 1920’s of immigrants jumping ship as the most common form of illegal entry by European nationals, with estimates that 180,000 had deserted the ships to evade immigration authorities with thousands literally swimming to Staten Island. I know we will get through this storm as we have done MANY times before. Akwaaba! Visit the state elections site. Over the past decade or so, Port Richmond, a neighborhood historically populated by Jewish and Irish immigrants (and later on, black people), has seen an influx of Mexican immigrants, both documented and undocumented. Nicole: Those immigrants did it the right way — just like my ancestors. Fleeing from conflicts in West Africa during the 1980s and 1990s, Liberians chose Staten Island for its affordability. Let’s start by modernizing our outdated immigration system to allow millions to legalize their status. In most cases, this statement does not reflect the fact that the immigration system was drastically different in the past, and that many of your families would not have been allowed to enter had today’s laws been in effect.

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