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At least 19 people have died and 32 are in the hospital following a fire in a Bronx apartment building. Fire Department Commissioner Daniel Nigro said the fire spanned two floors, but the smoke was unprecedented and the worst seen in New York in 30 years. Around 200 firefighters responded to the scene and found victims on each of the building’s 19 floors. The Bronx community in which the fire occurred houses a large Muslim immigrant population. Several of those the fire affected are believed to be immigrants from the Gambia. Mayor Eric Adams encouraged anyone affected by the fire to seek support from city authorities, regardless of their immigration status, adding that their information will not be sent to immigration authorities. BBC
In other local immigration news…
Chinese Immigrant Dies Months After Attack That Fueled Protests
A Chinese immigrant, attacked at the peak of anti-Asian hate crimes in New York last year, has died after suffering severe injuries for several months. The city police now considers his case a homicide. Yao Pan Ma, 61, was attacked while collecting cans in East Harlem. His attack was one of many that fueled protests against anti-Asian hate during the pandemic. This case remains under investigation as Jarrod Powell, 49, was previously charged with attempted murder, felony assault, and hate crimes for the attack. AP
Adams supports “Our City, Our Vote” bill
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has voiced support for a bill that would permit 800,000 non-citizens living in the city to vote in local elections. He highlighted that conversations with his colleagues in government have helped to ease his initial concerns about the bill, adding that “it was important to not veto the bill and allow it move forward.” The city council passed the bill last month and sent it to former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s desk. He did not sign or veto the bill before his tenure ended, leaving the fate of the legislation in Adams’ hands. CNN
