NY Bills Would Outlaw Deportation Threats Used As Coercion

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Bills circulating in New York's Legislature would make it illegal to use the potential for deportation as a threat.

According to the Times Union of Albany, such threats could be used by abusive partners, landlords or employers to coerce or extort immigrants.

The state labor department says there's an increasing problem of employers using immigration status as a threat.

A vote is expected soon on a bill by Democratic Sen. Anna Kaplan of Great Neck.

Democrat Michaelle Solages of Elmont is pushing similar legislation in the Assembly.

Republican Sen. Thomas O'Mara of Big Flats says current laws provide enough protection. He says there's "no need to carve out a special category for illegal immigrants."

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Information from: Times Union, http://www.timesunion.com