We broke ground on our landmark community center!

On February 7, Make the Road New York broke ground on our new landmark Make the Road Center in Queens!

We gathered with community members, elected officials, partners, and supporters to celebrate the building of our permanent home— the first place of its kind in New York City.

The 24,000 square foot, 3-story building will give us the space and resources to increase our impact. It will be a beacon of hope signifying the dignity and worth of every immigrant, and an unequivocal statement that we are here to stay, stronger than ever.

The New York Dream Act becomes a reality for immigrant youth!

On January 23rd, 2019, after nearly a decade of organizing efforts, the NY Dream Act finally passed both in the Assembly and Senate!

The NY Dream Act allows undocumented students who meet the criteria to apply for state financial aid. This bill is critical in providing equal opportunity to undocumented youth in our state. Many of our members and organizers have been going to Albany, taking the streets, calling on the Governor and state leaders to make this a reality for years. Thank you to all the bill sponsors! ¡Sí se pudo!

NYC guarantees healthcare for all, regardless of immigration status!

The first victory of 2019! Mayor de Blasio announced his plan to guarantee healthcare for all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status

The plan announced on Tuesday, January 8th, will serve 600,000 New Yorkers without insurance by strengthening NYC’s public health insurance option, MetroPlus, and guaranteeing that anyone ineligible for insurance – including undocumented New Yorkers – has direct access to healthcare.

We are proud to have been part of various mayoral task forces and commissions that led to this much-needed victory.

We’re fighting back DHS’s proposed analysis of Public Charge!

A couple of months ago, the Trump administration quietly announced this proposal, which will have enormous impact in our communities. It will force many immigrant families to choose between accessing the food assistance, housing assistance, and public health insurance that they need, and preserving their ability to obtain legal status in this country. Learn more on our Know Your Rights page.

We are working hard to make sure that community members have accurate information and don’t disenroll from benefits in a panic at this time, as this is still only a proposal.

Our 2018 Annual Gala was truly spectacular!

We gathered together with such an inspiring crowd of people — all who support Make the Road New York in so many ways — to celebrate our victories, and renew our energy and power for the fight ahead.

Our members, communities, and organization are in the midst of a very intense time. Make the Road New York will continue to respond and push on the path forward. We will remain at the forefront of the fight against hate and oppression. As Ady said, “as we spend our lives building this road, it will be more bold and beautiful and joyous if we make it together.” Check out some of the best moments from our gala.

Report calls for transparency and a complete overhaul of the economic development system!

On August 2, 2018, we released a report with the Fiscal Policy Institute showing how Governor Cuomo’s signature economic development program shortchanges communities of color — read about it in The New York Times.

In the report, “Shortchanged: Racial Disparities in New York’s Economic Development Programs,” we call for transparency and a complete overhaul of the economic development system in order to invest in strategies proven to support all New Yorkers, including people of color.