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Know Your Rights
Category: Immigration

What NYC’s Immigrants Need from our City

  • Theo Oshiro Co-Executive Director

Today–nearly a year into this crisis, and with municipal elections on the horizon–we are writing to share our vision for the future of New York City’s immigrant communities.

We are proud to release Dignity, Community, and Power: A 2021 Vision for NYC’s Immigrant Communities, written in collaboration with the Kathryn O. Greenberg Immigration Clinic at Cardozo School of Law.

Immigrant communities have long been a driving force of our resilient city and make up nearly 40% of New York City’s population. The next mayor and leaders of this city must take a strong stand and formalize their commitment to the rights and needs of our communities.

Our proposals include:

  • Ensuring that immigrant New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, can vote in municipal elections;
  • Further disentangling local law enforcement from federal immigration enforcement;
  • Maintaining and expanding access to counsel for New Yorkers facing deportation;
  • Increasing access to community-driven health services for all;
  • Ensuring that all New Yorkers have safe, affordable housing;
  • Strengthening worker protections; and
  • Deepening investments in adult literacy, job training, and college access.

This moment is unprecedented but we know what we need, and we expect bold leadership to help get us there.

Thank you for your continued support.

In solidarity,