Immigrant Advocates Demand Lawmakers Return to Albany & Take Action to Protect All NY Families

New York—Yesterday, the New York State Legislature adjourned with little information as to when it plans to return to close out the 2023 legislative session. In doing so, lawmakers left four important bills that will protect the rights and well-being of New York’s immigrant families in the balance: the Access to Representation Act (S81B Hoylman-Sigal / A1961A Cruz), New York For All Act (S987 Gounardes / A5686 Reyes), Language Access Expansion Act (S3383-A Kennedy / A7235 De Los Santos) and Coverage for All Act (S2237A Rivera / A3020A Gonzalez-Rojas).

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:

“As our communities face rising xenophobia across the state, NYS lawmakers must come back to Albany and deliver common sense actions that ensure the safety and security of everyone who calls New York home.

Immigrant Rights Advocates Applaud the NYS Senate’s Passage of the Language Access Act, Call on Assembly to Step Up

New York—Today, the New York State Senate passed the Language Access Expansion Act (S.3383-A Kennedy) with a vote of 47-15 and bipartisan support. Enactment of a Language Access Expansion Act would bring New York closer to ensuring that non-English speaking communities throughout the State have the same access to public services and information as English-speaking individuals.

Immigrant Rights Advocates & Elected Officials Rally to Keep NY Families Together, Pass New York For All Act

The New York for All Act prohibits local law enforcement and state agencies from colluding with federal immigration authorities 

The livestream is here. Photos and videos are here. High-res photos by Oscar B. Castillo are here.

New York—On Thursday, June 1 the New York For All Coalition, elected officials, immigrant rights advocates, allies and impacted community members rallied and held a press conference at the Capitol’s Million Dollar Staircase for the New York For All Act (S987 Gounardes / A5686 Reyes).

New York is safer when all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, are able to go to school, receive health care, or call 911 when there is an emergency.

Immigrant Advocates Applaud NYC Council Package on CityFHEPS Housing Vouchers

New York, NY—Today, the NYC City Council passed its four-bill package to expand access to the CityFHEPS voucher program, including eliminating the 90-day waiting period. 

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:

“The CityPHEPS package advanced by the New York City Council is a critical piece of legislation that will bring low-income New Yorkers one step closer to being able to start building a future for themselves and their families.

Immigrant Rights Advocates & Faith Leaders Welcome Asylum Seekers to Erie County, Applaud County Exec Poloncarz

Video of the press conference is available here

New York—Today, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), Jericho Road Community Health Center, Justice for Migrant Families, allies, faith leaders, member organizations, and immigrant New Yorkers rallied and held a press conference at Niagara Square in support of welcoming asylum seekers to the Buffalo area.

Immigrant Advocates Commend Gov. Hochul’s Call to NYS Counties to Welcome Asylum Seekers & Demands for Expedited Work Permits From Biden

New York, NY—Today, NYS Governor Kathy Houchul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams held a press conference calling for expedited work authorization for asylum seekers, and coordination with local municipalities across the state to house them.

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:

“Today, Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams showed what can be possible when multiple levels of government work together to turn a challenge into an opportunity.