The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy & advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York.
The NYIC serves one of the largest and most diverse newcomer populations in the United States. The multi-racial and multi-sector NYIC membership base includes grassroots and nonprofit community organizations, religious and academic institutions, labor unions, as well as legal and socioeconomic justice organizations. The NYIC not only establishes a forum for immigrant groups to voice their concerns, but also provides a platform for collective action to drive positive social change.
Since its founding in 1987, the NYIC has evolved into a powerful voice of advocacy by spearheading innovative policies, promoting and protecting the rights of immigrant communities, improving newcomer access to services, developing leadership and capacity, expanding civic participation, and mobilizing member groups to respond to the fluctuating needs of immigrant communities.
Our Vision
The New York Immigration Coalition envisions a New York State that is stronger because all people are welcome, treated fairly, and given the chance to pursue their dreams.
Our Mission
The New York Immigration Coalition, a state-wide member-led coalition of immigrant and refugee organizations, works to transform the lives of all New Yorkers by strengthening and building our members’ power, organizing and educating our communities and the public, and using our collective voice to advocate for opportunity and justice.
Our Values
- Inclusive & Representative
- Fair & Just
- Accountable & Trusted
What We Do
Advocacy and Policy Analysis
The NYIC advocates for laws and policies to improve the lives of immigrants and all New Yorkers, particularly those that live in lower income communities. Our work spans a wide variety of policy areas, including, but not limited to:
- Low-cost immigration legal services;
- Immigrant access to vital health services;
- Immigration enforcement and incarceration reform;
- Strengthening immigrant language access;
- Immigrant workers rights; and
- Improving immigrant access to educational resources like Family Welcome Centers, English Language Learners classes, and academic scholarships.
Development of Immigrant Leadership
The NYIC leverages the political power of immigrant communities by engaging in voter outreach and mobilization for key local, state, and federal elections. The NYIC cultivates a new generation of immigrant civic leaders and community organizers by offering fellowships and several leadership programs.
Community Education
The NYIC provides multilingual informational materials on immigration law, citizenship requirements, school registration, healthcare access, and voting rights. The NYIC also works with ethnic and mainstream media to relay important and often time-sensitive updates to immigrant communities.
Training & Technical Assistance
The NYIC offers annual workshops and presentations on immigration law and other issues that affect immigrants on a daily basis. The NYIC also provides guidance to community groups, advocates, and legal providers on how to better serve their constituents.