Immigrants Are Here to Stay: Statewide Day of Action and Community

Photos and videos are available here

Livestream of the rally is available here

New York—Today, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), member organizations, allies, and immigrant New Yorkers hosted a statewide day of action and community events in New York City, Buffalo and Syracuse. As we approach the inauguration of Donald Trump, immigrants and advocates across New York State mobilized – and conducted vital Know Your Rights trainings – to fight back against the administration’s mass deportation agenda with rallies and resources for community members and allies. 

Donald Trump and Thomas Homan have spent the months since the election detailing their plans for deporting all undocumented immigrants in the U.S. (an estimated 11 million people), including 4,500,000 of our neighbors New York. Mass deportations would cost New York City alone billions of dollars in economic activity, reducing the workforce by hundreds of thousands of people and destroying countless small businesses. Just the operation itself would cost the U.S. government $1.7 trillion.

“Immigrants are the lifeblood of New York State. From our economy to our culture, immigrants have continuously powered New York into the future. But the incoming Trump administration wants to bring an end to those contributions. They want to force our communities into a state of fear with their mass deportation agenda. But history has taught us that we are stronger than the forces that seek to oppress and divide us. Today and every day, we stand united with our immigrant neighbors across New York. We will continue to fight for a future where every New Yorker can remain with their families and thrive here,” said Murad Awawdeh, President & CEO, New York Immigration Coalition.

“The resilience of our communities comes from the belief that when we come together, we are stronger and more powerful than we are alone. Despite the relentless attacks on immigrants and Black people that we have been inundated with over the last few months, we are not discouraged. We know we have the tools, resources, and knowledge to continue to push forward and realize a better future for our communities and our country,” said Amaha Kassa, Executive Director, African Communities Together.

“Two out of three Asian New Yorkers are foreign-born, and nearly half of those immigrants arrived in or after 2010. Asian immigrants are our neighbors, friends, and family. They power our economy, enhance our culture and have played a huge part in making New York the great world city it is. We urge our city and state government officials to protect our immigrant communities and help them thrive. As an organization that for 35 years has fought for the well-being of Asian New Yorkers, we will do everything in our power to make sure our families stay together and our communities are safe,” said Andrew Sta. Ana, Interim Co-Executive Director of External Affairs, Asian American Federation.

“Today, more than ever, we believe that welcoming immigrants and understanding the difficult circumstances that drive vulnerable families to leave their home countries are crucial obligations and noble responsibilities, especially for nations like the United States. Blaming immigrants for domestic issues does not reflect our national values. Our responsibility today is to protect them from inhumane mass deportation plans and to continue welcoming them, ensuring that families remain together,” said Javier Ramirez-Baron, Executive Director, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC. 

“Liberty and justice for all: a promise of our nation that should be without exception. When our leaders target our immigrant communities, enact unjust laws and spread dangerous falsehoods, our nation is reneging on its promise to its people. As people of faith, we cannot let fear, scapegoating, and harmful rhetoric take hold and divide our communities. We must continue to take a bold stance for justice, welcome our immigrant siblings with open arms, and fight for a New York that all, including our immigrant families can live, thrive, and contribute to the beloved tapestry that is New York,” said Crystal Walthall, Executive Director, Faith in New York.

“Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York affirms unwavering support for immigrants and refugees in New York. We emphasize our commitment to protect immigrants and honor the dignity and humanity of all people. In these uncertain times, it is crucial to uphold family unity and ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. As we face the challenges ahead, we call upon the values inspired by the teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose legacy of justice and compassion we celebrate on Monday. Catholic Charities’ core belief that every human being is made in the image of God urges us to pursue justice and compassion as cornerstones of our society,” said Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, CEO of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New York.

“Immigrants are an essential part of New York. Everywhere we go, any place we enter, and at every corner we’ll find immigrant communities working, serving and providing New York with what makes it what it is. Immigrants are doctors, lawyers, teachers, vendors, cab drivers, and food workers providing essential services that New Yorkers rely on every day. Any attack on immigrant communities is an attack on all of us. Under the upcoming administration our immigrant communities will be at risk of being targeted by xenophobic policies that could rip families apart and destroy our communities. We need to stand together to make sure that our communities are united, and our families and neighbors are safe. We have each other, and we will not let hate and xenophobia win,” said Mohamed Attia, Managing Director, Street Vendor Project.

 "We are the communities we serve. At this time of heightened crisis and inflammatory, racist and anti-immigrant sentiment we stand with our communities throughout New York City,” said Diaspora Community Services.  

“Immigrants belong here and have long been part of our nation’s communities and workforce. As a 125 year-old Jewish social justice organization founded by Eastern European immigrants who fled persecution and pogroms for these shores, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder against any and all hateful attempts to detain or deport our immigrant neighbors. Together, we will continue the fight for a thriving New York and America that includes all of us,” said Ann Toback, CEO, Workers Circle.

“At WEDI, we are proud to celebrate the strength and resilience of our immigrant and refugee community. The West Side Bazaar continues to be a vibrant hub where cultures unite, and this event is a powerful opportunity to share knowledge, build connections, and empower those who make our city stronger every day,” said Carolynn Welch, Executive Director, WEDI.

“No matter if they came here running or simply came here hoping, immigrants are an important part of our country. We look forward with hope to a future where immigrants are welcomed and valued by all. Today is about building a network of care for those excluded, villainized, and harmed by fear and false narratives. Today is about telling the truth. At Jericho Road, we are fortunate to call many immigrants our family, friends, and neighbors. They deserve dignity, and we are grateful that they make us better. We will always stand with them," said Catharine Grainge, Director of Advocacy, Jericho Road Community Health Center.

“Immigrants have contributed to the economy, policies, livelihood and culture of the United States since its inception. America would be a completely different country today if it wasn’t for immigrants - the vibrancy and joy various immigrant communities bring into our society is indisputable. While we emphasize and appreciate the contributions of immigrants (especially given the demonization of their communities), we know that every human is worthy of dignity and respect for simply being human. No policy will make us forget that and no amount of fearmongering will make us turn our backs to our fellow human. LOLA emphasizes that all of our liberation is tied and none of us are free until all of us are free. Protecting and standing with immigrant communities is not only our duty to our fellow human, but also our duty to ourselves,” said Fatima Nor, Steering Committee, Liberation for One Liberation for All (LOLA).

“Though the incoming Trump administration continues to threaten our immigrant communities with deportation, and attempt to divide undocumented immigrants against DACA recipients by favoring one status over another, MinKwon Center firmly stands united against anti-deportation plans of any kind. An attack on one, is an attack on all undocumented people. We will continue to advocate for all undocumented immigrants as they are the very fabric of this nation,” said Woojung (Diana) Park, Immigrant Justice Organizer, MinKwon Center for Community Action.

“Our country’s strength and New York’s history lies in its diversity, and immigrants are integral to our communities.  Young Invincibles believes everyone – regardless of income, race, or immigration status – deserves access to a high quality of life and basic human rights.  We have advocated tirelessly for DACA recipients to have access to FAFSA, ACA Marketplace health coverage, and the vital supports students and young adults need.  Young Invincibles remains committed to ensuring that immigrants, regardless of status, have affordable health care, higher education, and equal workforce opportunities.  We know that when we fight for those of us whose families, dreams, and economic opportunity are at stake, we build a stronger and more prosperous future,” said Sean Henry Miller, Northeast Regional Director, Young Invincibles.