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De Blasio, Other City Leaders Promise Immigration Reform

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Democratic mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio said Wednesday that he is committed to immigration reform, regardless of whether the laws change in Washington.

As 1010 WINS' Stan Brooks reported, de Blasio joined other city leaders as they told a cheering crowd of immigrants massed on the City Hall steps Wednesday that they would do whatever they can to change the laws.

De Blasio, Other City Leaders Promise Immigration Reform

"All of us are here committed to work with Bill de Blasio as mayor to make sure this remains an immigrant city – not just in name, but in a place with every possible opportunity for immigrants in every neighborhood in any way," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.

De Blasio himself emphasized how important immigrants have been to the city's history.

"Immigration made New York City great; made us strong; made us the creative capital of the world," he said.

City Comptroller John Liu told the crowd that immigrants have revitalized the city for 400 years with their blood, sweat, and tears.

The city leaders said they plan to push for measures such as an identification card, so those who are undocumented can go about their everyday lives, can take care of their families, can get a bank account, can get a lease, and can actually participate more fully in the life of the city.

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