“The 2018 New York City budget is a step forward for immigrant New Yorkers with the Council and Mayor’s record investment in legal services, along with a major investment in adult literacy. Despite the Mayor’s continued denial of full due process for all immigrants at this time of unprecedented vulnerability, the Council has come through and guaranteed the right to counsel without restriction. This is our New York, and the New York Immigration Coalition will continue to fight for justice and opportunity for all,” said Steve Choi, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition.
Background:
Budget Wins:
- $10M for the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project
- $12M for adult literacy
- $1.47M for the Day Laborer Workforce Initiative
- $1.187M for the Access Health Initiative
- $1.5M for the Immigrant Health Initiative
- $2.6M for the Immigrant Opportunities Initiative
- $700,000 for Key to the City events, which bring consular, immigration legal, and a wide array of other social services including health and financial education to schools across NYC.
Budget Losses:
Despite an unprecedented $10M investment in New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) from the Council, we are deeply disappointed that Mayor Bill de Blasio’s $16.4M allocation for lawyers for immigrants does not ensure the right to counsel for all New Yorkers. The Council has committed $10M, regardless of arrest, and the Mayor has committed $16M with conditions.
Additionally, we are disappointed with the Council’s decision to eliminate the Student Voter Registration Day funding. This allocation was crucial for increasing youth voter registration in schools throughout the City. If the City Council is a champion for youth, it should restore this funding.