I was born in El Salvador and came to the States in October of 1981. My mom was a teacher at the time in El Salvador, and she was part of a group of teachers who advocated for better salaries and work environment, much like a teacher’s union. The government did not allow people to organize and deemed these teachers “communist”, and told my mom that they would kill her and her sons if she did not leave the country.

This is the fourth story in our #IAmReady series. In the last three weeks, we have also featured the stories of other DAPA eligible and expanded DACA eligible community members including Hoda, Zaida Verdugo, and Cris Mercado to show how immigration relief would help them.

Guidance for Educators and School Staff in New York State

Immigrant communities are worried. The United States is facing one of the most anti-immigrant administrations in recent memory, and many students and families are panicked about the possibility of deportation and family separation.

One of the most prominent and successful organizations in supporting African immigrants is African Communities Together, a New York Immigration Coalition member group. ACT is an organization of Africans from across the continent fighting for immigrant rights.

Meghan is the new Senior Associate for Regional Outreach at the NYIC. Based out of Buffalo, New York, she supports the Coalition’s organizing and advocacy efforts in Western New York - such as our campaign to expand access to driver’s licenses to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.

Recently, I got the chance to learn more about NYIC member SEPA Mujer. I sat down with their Executive Director, Martha Maffei, who shared her organization’s history, a typical day at SEPA Mujer, what it’s like to work in Long Island, and more.

Leonor Falcon plays jazz violin with Maelo and the Latino Experimental Project; Amazonas Strings; and Chama. She also teaches violin and performs freelance with other ensembles.

I was born in Caracas, Venezuela.

"Brick Oven Bread bakery in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn," New Women New Yorkers (NWNY)

The Fiscal Policy Institute has released a new brief on New York State immigrants’ economic contributions. The brief examines the significance of immigrants to our economies, and serves as an effective counterpoint to anti-immigrant economic claims.

On February 28, Donald Trump gave his first speech to Congress. While some in the media have praised its “moderate tone,” Trump actually sketched out a broad assault on immigrants.

What little attention the media has given to Trump’s immigration-related remarks in the speech has focused on his renewed targeting of the undocumented.

“We condemn hate and evil in all of its ugly forms”, stated President Trump during his first joint address to Congress last night, the same man that has just implemented a program designed to politicize grief and deepen the country’s divide.

VOICE -Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement- is part of President Trump’s new plan to “to serve American victims” by “providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests.