A New Haven city employee has been placed on administrative leave for allegedly violating city policy by sharing marriage license details with federal officials, according to Mayor Justin Elicker.
A New Haven city employee from the city’s Office of Vital Statistics is accused of seeking guidance from federal authorities about dozens of marriage licenses that she thought may have been questionable.
The department issues birth, marriage and death certificates as well as the Elm City Resident ID card, according to the city's website. It's a subdivision of the New Haven Department of Health.
The employee, Patricia Clark, told her supervisor that she had flagged 73 marriages that happened between Aug. 23 and Nov. 20. to this U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). The flagged marriages specifically involve non-U.S. citizens.
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Back in February, Clark was told by a state Department of Health official that if she had a suspicion of a fraudulent marriage that she should report it - raising a concern over how long this has been going on.
Elicker said he issued an executive order in July of 2020 called the Welcoming City Order, which states that no officer or city employee shall disclose confidential information, except under special circumstances.
Clark was placed on leave on Dec. 1 because she's accused of violating this order.
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"Regardless of your immigration status, your documentation status or any other characteristics, you are welcome here in city hall. You are welcome here in our community," Elicker said during a news conference.
Health Director Maritza Bond said she is concerned by the allegations, and the city wants fair due process. Any reporting to outside agencies now must be approved by Bond first.
"No New Haven officer or city employee shall disclose confidential information, except under special circumstances," Elicker said.
The mayor went on to say that the city is concerned about the number of marriages reported and an investigation is being conducted by a third party.
As of now, those flagged marriages are still valid and so far, these have been no federal investigations into the couples.
New Haven is a sanctuary city. City officials are working to review records and notify anyone that may be involved as soon as possible.
Elicker said he believes the incident is isolated and no other city employees were involved. Once the investigation is complete, the city says they will take appropriate action.
