VICTORY! The Walking While Trans ban has been repealed

On February 2, 2021, the Walking While Trans ban was repealed and sealed. This victory makes it safer for Black and brown trans women to walk down the street without the fear of an unjust arrest for “loitering for the purpose of prostitution.” For over 40 years, the Walking While Trans ban has been used to profile and criminalize Black and brown trans women in our communities for simply expressing their gender identity.

This victory was due to the organizing efforts of our members and allies who made thousands of calls to elected officials, organized dozens of rallies and press conferences, and made their voices heard year after year in Albany. ¡Sí se pudo!

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.

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. In 2020, we sent out $4.5 Million worth of cash cards to 6,466 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. 

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