Advocates for immigrants and delivery workers say new rules proposed by Mayor Eric Adams’ office could end up punishing the very people they’re meant to protect by potentially exposing undocumented workers to surveillance and immigration enforcement.
The proposed rules would add an enforcement framework for decade-old regulations around workers on bicycles, which were originally put in place before the explosion of food and other delivery apps. They would fine companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats when delivery riders don’t take safety trainings, carry new identification cards or wear reflective gear with their unique driver numbers displayed.
But the rules would also expand how the city collects information. For the first time, app companies would be required to proactively submit rosters of their bike-riding workers to the city Department of Transportation. Immigrant and worker advocates worry those rosters — which include information like worker name, address and unique ID number — could be used for surveillance or immigration enforcement…