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By:
HARRISON MAINA | |||||||||
| Posted:
Oct,07-2015 16:08:59
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BOSTON---Massachusetts Attorney General, Maura Healey has said that no one has a right to threaten unauthorized immigrants in the state with possible reporting to immigration authorities or discriminating them in any way, so as to intimidate and exploit them for personal gain.
The AG, who is on her first term after capturing the seat under a Democratic Party ticket in the last general elections was speaking to several dozen journalists from immigrant communities during an ethnic media roundtable meeting last Thursday at her office in Boston. Flanked by several attorneys and officials, Healey said that the AG's office currently wanted to make sure that all ethnic communities are aware of their rights to earned sick time leave at their work places, anti-retaliation protections under the Massachusetts wage and labor laws, the fair housing and employment law as well as protections available for domestic abuse situations. The AG was disheartened to hear that many undocumented immigrants working menial jobs under the table were being threatened by some unscrupulous employers, landlords, mechanics, or even car dealers and other business people when they complained of discrimination or poor service. "It's illegal. It's criminal. We know there are many unauthorized immigrants working in underground jobs such as cleaners where they are exploited and violated. As an undocumented person in this state and you are a victim, I want you to l know that you have rights, and we will protect you. They will be held accountable," she said sternly while responding to questions by the journalists. "Even illegal immigrants have rights in this state. If anyone threatens you with immigration authorities, you need to contact our office immediately and we will contact them the same day and make sure they understand that this is against the law and that there will be consequences." Healey added that the office maintains a Public Inquiry and Assistance Center (PIAC) Hotline (617-727-8400)for victims to call regarding various forms of threats and harassments.She urged immigrants not to fear bringing such issues to her office since she is concerned with the peaceful co-existence off anyone currently residing and obeying the laws in the Commonwealth.
Healey added that the AG's office has decided to start holding regular meetings with different communities in different cities to make them aware of their rights and also to hear from them any issues that might be going on without her knowledge. "We are here to protect you and deal with any injustices that might be going on. The AG's office is basically the people's law firm. We are your advocates." She added that unfortunately, many immigrants misunderstand the AG's office and think that most of that they deal with are criminal law. "Actually it's the other way around. About 85% of work in this office is non-criminal. We deal mostly with issues on consumer protection, combating fraud and corruption, protecting civil rights and promoting meaningful economic recovery," she said. The AG said that there is a huge underground economy going on in the commonwealth where unauthorized immigrants are employed but some are being badly exploited and having their rights abused by unscrupulous employers and landlords. She said that such immigrants have the right to file a complaint with the AG's office or assist the state at investigating alleged violations under the wage and labor laws without fear of retaliation by such employers. The AG stressed that it is illegal for such employers to retaliate by firing the employees, discriminating against them by way of taking away their work hours, giving them undesirable assignments or schedule changes, assaulting an employee, blacklisting or defaming them, including giving false negative references for future employment, making criminal reports to authorities about the employee, reporting them to immigration authorities or even threatening an employee with the mentioned or any other negative consequences. "Every immigrant needs to be aware of these anti-retaliation protections so that they can bring up these issues to us if they happen." Healey also said that all employees in Massachusetts, whether full time, part time, temporary and even seasonal workers can earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked and up to 40 hours per year depending on how much work they put in. She said such sick time begins to accrue from the very first day they start working for an employer who has at least 11 or more employees, and can be used after 90 days. She added that employees have a right to use the sick time when they, or their children, spouse, parent, parent of spouse is sick, has a medical appointment or to address the effects of domestic abuse. However, the AG cautioned that the sick time cannot be used as an excuse to be late for work without advance notice of a proper use, and that abuse of the privilege may result in disciplinary action against an employee. She advised them to read carefully the employers policies on sick time so as to comply and avoid problems. Healey added that her office also provides resources for anyone to access, including online, in order learning about their rights on any subject. She told journalist that immigrants also have a right to fair housing rentals, state provided housing for low income earners as well as same treatment when it comes to advancing loans for purchase of properties as any other person. Healey reiterated that Massachusetts law treats all victims of domestic abuse with equal measure for both men and women. However, she said that if there are any genuine issues where cultural practices in immigrant communities are not well addressed by the courts, then complainants can address them with court liaison officers during any proceedings. Officials accompanying the AG took time after the event to clarify on issues raised with journalists present. They said that although they are encouraging anyone suffering for any injustice to file a complaint, such complaints should be real. They advised that making false allegations or complaints against anyone could lead in problems, especially when done under oath. "We have very highly trained layers and staff here who are capable of pretty much finding out the truth from false allegations. We want people to report issues truthfully. False allegations, especially when done in a court of law or under oath anywhere else can lead to perjury charges on the complainant," said Chris Conley during an interview with Ajabu Africa News after press conference. The AG said she is looking forward to members of the ethnic communities to come out in large numbers at community meetings that will be announced very soon in the cities of Worcester, New Bedford, Springfield, where the AG has offices as well as Lawrence and others. To contact the AG's Public Inquiry and Assistance Center (PIAC) Hotline, call: 617-727-8400 or visit:www.mass.gov/ago | |||||||||
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Source:
AJABU AFRICA NEWS
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