On January 11, 2024, Danyela Souza Egorov, a member of the New York City chapter of Independent Women’s Network, testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement On the detrimental effects of the open border crisis, the impact of illegal immigration on schools and children, the double standard faced by legal immigrants, and the inconsistent vaccination requirements for migrants.
As an immigrant from Brazil, Egorov understands firsthand the desire to live in a free and prosperous city like New York City. However, she emphasized that the border crisis and the redirection of city resources to illegal immigrants have put city residents in jeopardy. She pointed out that Mayor Eric Adams canceled the classes of 215 incoming school safety agents, leaving schools understaffed and parents forced to volunteer to ensure their children’s safety. This decision raises concerns about the lack of proper training for these volunteers.
Furthermore, Egorov expressed her concerns about the double standard in the immigration process. As a legal immigrant, she questioned why there is a discrepancy in the treatment of immigrants and the lack of documentation required for some. This inconsistency undermines the integrity of the system.
Egorov also drew attention to the vaccination issue. She highlighted the lower vaccination rates in the countries from which migrants are arriving and the city’s acceptance of these individuals. This stands in stark contrast to the restrictions placed on NYC residents, who were denied access to schools due to their vaccination status. Egorov emphasized the erosion of trust caused by these double standards.
“In New York City, nearly 40% of New Yorkers are foreign-born, and 60% live in a household where at least one family [member] was born abroad, like my family,” she said. “We know exactly why people want to live in such a prosperous free city and country.” Egorov stressed the importance of addressing the crisis and developing a comprehensive plan to protect the city’s residents and resources.
Egorov continued: “I believe legal immigration has made New York one of the best cities in the world, but the current crisis of open borders and no policy to prioritize who should be allowed into our country is threatening New York City.”
