Republicans are calling New York a sanctuary city. I say let's make it a sanctuary state.

This week I am introducing a bill (S6738) into the State Senate that will make it the policy of all New York State employees to keep immigration status confidential when providing essential services for law-abiding people.

It is simply unacceptable that so many crimes against undocumented immigrants go unreported because they are afraid to come forward to the police. This bill will go a long way in ensuring that all people within the state of New York are able to feel safe and secure.

Similar to the Governor's original plan to expand eligibility for driver's licenses, this proposal will increase safety for all New Yorkers.

I’ve spent the past month passionately defending the new DMV policy, and if one thing has become clear, it’s this: the other side could use a good public relations firm.

“It’s obvious that you’re Mexican and interested only in Mexican interests,” wrote one person who saw me on CNN’s Lou Dobbs Tonight last week. (I was born in the South Bronx, to Puerto Rican parents.)

Along the same lines: “Despite your assertions, your people are bastardizing American trades … So why don’t you go to Mexico, asshole, and stay. You are a traitor to the people of America.”

The First-Ever Spanish Language Presidential Debate left me in a sense of dissolution and disappointment after hearing the positions expressed by all of the Democratic Candidates in support for the construction of a wall on the Mexican border and not on the Canadian border.

If we are going to build a wall, it should be a wall for everyone or for no one.

If we are serious enough to protect this nation and use National Security as an issue to build a wall on the Mexican border, then I believe that the Presidential candidates should be in favor of building one on the Canadian frontier as well. Otherwise, this could be interpreted as racist and against Hispanics and it may be seen as an excuse for discrimination against Hispanics.

On Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 12:00 noon, on the steps of City Hall, New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz will join with the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization to offer support for legislation calling for the creation and issuance of identification cards for all New York City residents, including illegal immigrants.

Senator Rev. Diaz stated, “Government-issued photo identification cards will help New Yorkers who cannot get driver's licenses to enhance employment opportunities, enhance their banking opportunities, ensure that all residents will have access to necessary municipal city services, as well as help solve and prevent future crimes.”