Our Recent Impact

Respect and Dignity for All: 2021 State Policy & Budget Platform

As the largest community based membership organization representing immigrants and working-class people of color in New York, Make the Road New York (MRNY) is uniquely positioned to identify and address pressing community needs. 

The communities we represent have been utterly devastated by COVID-19, with staggering loss of life and calamitous economic consequences. Our platform for 2021 thus centers demands for a recovery for all and targeted policy priorities to address inequity and brutality laid bare during 2020 and the pandemic.

Read Our Full Platform Here

Executive Order Marks Major Progress for Immigrants

On day one, President Biden signed a number of executive orders. They include revoking the Trump administration’s plan to exclude immigrants from the census count, preserving the DACA program, repealing the Muslim Ban, pausing the construction of the wall on the southern border, extending Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians who have been in the United States for many years, and enacting a moratorium on deportations.

These victories are the result of tremendous work by our members and immigrant communities and people of color across the country. We will continue to fight until there is a fair and humane immigration system in place. ¡Sí se puede!

Cash Assistance Program

Before the end of March, as low-income community members lost jobs without notice, the need for emergency food was immediate. We have expanded our food pantry programs in Brooklyn and Queens and created food distribution sites in Staten Island and Westchester. In total, we continuously distribute over 1,100 food bags per week.

The need for financial relief programs has also been overwhelming. Additionally, we have provided cash cards mailed to our members’ homes. As of November 2020, we have been able to send out $4 Million worth of cash cards to 6,382 homes. 

Our COVID-19 Response & Emergency Fund

Our members are some of the most at risk physically and financially in this crisis. They are working in warehouses, delivering food and cleaning without safety protections– without sick time and without job security–this is not only a threat for those working but for their families and for our public health. We are providing direct support and advocating for policies that include protections and financial support for everyone including undocumented folks, sex-workers and others who are most vulnerable. To access our services and support, click here

To donate to our COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, click here. It will provide direct support to those who need it, and help us organize for solutions that include all of us. 

For up to date information on the crisis and our response, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

We offer an array of Education, Health, & Legal Services

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New York State School Suspension Moratorium

New York State students lose thousands of days in the classroom each year because of suspensions, often for normal youthful behavior. As all

Take Action!

Bring the Repeal #WalkingWhileTrans Ban to a Vote!

Black and Brown women deserve to walk the streets safely without the fear of being stopped, frisked and arrested. We are calling Speaker Carl Heastie

Take Action!

Excluded Workers Need Relief

The COVID-19 crisis is hitting immigrants and Black and Brown New Yorkers the hardest, but our communities are being left out of relief.

Take Action!

Reclaim Our Homes: Rent/Mortgage Suspension Now!

Everyday the housing crisis related to COVID-19 crisis gets worse and worse. It is impacting tenants, homeless New Yorkers, public housing residents, and

Take Action!

The COVID-19 crisis and New York’s staggering inequality leaves the most vulnerable communities in unfathomable conditions. Why in an unprecedented health crisis is Governor

Take Action!

Tell Amazon: Give ALL Workers 100% Paid Leave NOW and Tell Us Your Plans

As COVID-19 spreads, Amazon is again failing to protect our health – as workers, neighbors, customers – by failing to offer every person

Take Action!

New York State must fight back against corporate attacks on workers’ rights. Support the EmPIRE Act!

In New York, our communities have organized and won critical victories for workers, including a $15 minimum wage, paid family leave, protections against

Take Action!

New Yorkers are committed to participating in the 2020 Census!

Since 1790, the U.S. Constitution has mandated that every U.S. resident regardless of age, citizenship status, or ability to vote be counted every

Take Action!

New York State School Suspension Moratorium

New York State students lose thousands of days in the classroom each year because of suspensions, often for normal youthful behavior. As all

Take Action!

Bring the Repeal #WalkingWhileTrans Ban to a Vote!

Black and Brown women deserve to walk the streets safely without the fear of being stopped, frisked and arrested. We are calling Speaker Carl Heastie

Take Action!

Excluded Workers Need Relief

The COVID-19 crisis is hitting immigrants and Black and Brown New Yorkers the hardest, but our communities are being left out of relief.

Take Action!

Reclaim Our Homes: Rent/Mortgage Suspension Now!

Everyday the housing crisis related to COVID-19 crisis gets worse and worse. It is impacting tenants, homeless New Yorkers, public housing residents, and

Take Action!

The COVID-19 crisis and New York’s staggering inequality leaves the most vulnerable communities in unfathomable conditions. Why in an unprecedented health crisis is Governor

Take Action!

Tell Amazon: Give ALL Workers 100% Paid Leave NOW and Tell Us Your Plans

As COVID-19 spreads, Amazon is again failing to protect our health – as workers, neighbors, customers – by failing to offer every person

Take Action!

New York State must fight back against corporate attacks on workers’ rights. Support the EmPIRE Act!

In New York, our communities have organized and won critical victories for workers, including a $15 minimum wage, paid family leave, protections against

Take Action!

New Yorkers are committed to participating in the 2020 Census!

Since 1790, the U.S. Constitution has mandated that every U.S. resident regardless of age, citizenship status, or ability to vote be counted every

Take Action!

DACA is restored!

DACA is restored to its original 2012 form. For more information, resources and updates, visit our DACA portal.

For DACA updates!

Dignity, Community, and Power Awards Gala

Thank you for joining us for our Dignity, Community, and Power Awards Gala! In case you missed it or just want to watch again, we have you covered!

Watch our Gala!

Our COVID Response

Discover COVID-related updates and resources as we shift our work to respond to this crisis.

COVID Updates

Know Your Rights

Find up-to-date resources and guides on legislation, court decisions, and more!

Our Resources

Achieving Dignity and Justice

LATEST UPDATES

Make the Road New York

Respect and Dignity for All: Make the Road New York’s 2021 State Policy & Budget Platform

DOWNLOAD HERE As the largest community based membership organization representing immigrants and working-class people of color in New York, Make the Road New York (MRNY) is uniquely positioned to identify and address pressing community needs. Through its community centers in New York City, Long Island and Westchester, MRNY employs a multi-faceted approach to supporting immigrants,…

Make the Road NY

2020 Victories Brochure

DOWNLOAD HERE 2020 in Review In 2020 we confronted an unprecedented public health emergency and continuing xenophobic attacks from Washington. When COVID-19 hit, we jumped to address job loss and hunger, and supported families dealing with sickness and death in terrible conditions. We sustained thousands with emergency case management, legal representation for tenants and workers,…

The New York Times

2 Brothers Died of Covid-19. They’re Being Denied Their Last Wish.

More than 250 Mexican immigrants have died from the virus in the New York area. Many of them longed to be buried in their birthplace. When Javier Morales, 48, died at a hospital in Hackensack, N.J., his family decided not to tell his brother Martin right away. Martin Morales was also battling the coronavirus, and…