New York, NY–Today, the New York Immigration Coalition, allies, and immigrant New Yorkers held a press conference at Manhattan Comprehensive Night and Day High School to inform immigrant families about what to expect when the new school year begins on September 8.
As immigrant New Yorkers prepare to go back to class, there are many issues they will need to navigate: new COVID protocols, budget cuts, enrollment (including enrollment of asylum seekers), and language access. Education is key to a vibrant life in New York City, and it is necessary that all children, regardless of their immigration status, have the tools they need to succeed.
The event was streamed on Facebook Live: link
Andrea Ortiz, Senior Manager of Education Policy, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Having equitable access to quality schools is crucial to the future of our city. Yet, for decades, immigrant families have lacked access to programs that meet their children's needs. This year, New York City has an opportunity to live up to its ideals as a true welcoming city, by fully supporting newcomer families enrolling in our public schools. Providing immigrant families with robust support and language access at enrollment is pivotal to ensuring they will be placed in schools prepared to serve their complex needs. To meet this moment, the city should invest $4M in community-based organizations to support immigrants through this process using the successful Linking Immigrant Children to Early Childhood Education (LIFE) project model.”
City Council Member Carlina Rivera, District 2:
“New York City is a city of immigrants -- we must be prepared to provide culturally humble services in the appropriate language for the thousands of asylum seekers arriving across the five boroughs. I’m proud to join the New York Immigration Coalition in advocating that all immigrant New Yorkers looking to enroll their children in our school system receive the critical information they need."
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