New York—Yesterday, the New York State Legislature adjourned with little information as to when it plans to return to close out the 2023 legislative session. In doing so, lawmakers left four important bills that will protect the rights and well-being of New York’s immigrant families in the balance: the Access to Representation Act (S81B Hoylman-Sigal / A1961A Cruz), New York For All Act (S987 Gounardes / A5686 Reyes), Language Access Expansion Act (S3383-A Kennedy / A7235 De Los Santos) and Coverage for All Act (S2237A Rivera / A3020A Gonzalez-Rojas).

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:

“As our communities face rising xenophobia across the state, NYS lawmakers must come back to Albany and deliver common sense actions that ensure the safety and security of everyone who calls New York home.

The New York for All Act would prohibit local law enforcement and state agencies from colluding with federal immigration agencies 

New York—The New York State Legislative session is coming to a close, without leaders bringing the New York For All Act (S.987 Gounardes / A.5686 Reyes) forward for floor votes in the Senate or Assembly.

New York—Today, the New York State Senate passed the Language Access Expansion Act (S.3383-A Kennedy) with a vote of 47-15 and bipartisan support. Enactment of a Language Access Expansion Act would bring New York closer to ensuring that non-English speaking communities throughout the State have the same access to public services and information as English-speaking individuals.

New York, NY—Yesterday, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced that a former armed security guard named Jimmy Solano-Arias was indicted for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting an asylum seeker inside of a locked room at 26 Federal Plaza.

New York—Today, the New York Immigration Coalition, Local Progress, and the NYC Council Progressive Caucus released a sign-on letter from 55 municipal, town, county and school district elected officials from all over New York State calling on the NYS Legislature to pass the New York For All Act before the end of the legislative session.

The New York for All Act prohibits local law enforcement and state agencies from colluding with federal immigration authorities 

The livestream is here. Photos and videos are here. High-res photos by Oscar B. Castillo are here.

New York—On Thursday, June 1 the New York For All Coalition, elected officials, immigrant rights advocates, allies and impacted community members rallied and held a press conference at the Capitol’s Million Dollar Staircase for the New York For All Act (S987 Gounardes / A5686 Reyes).

New York is safer when all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, are able to go to school, receive health care, or call 911 when there is an emergency.

New York, NY—Today, the NYC City Council passed its four-bill package to expand access to the CityFHEPS voucher program, including eliminating the 90-day waiting period. 

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:

“The CityPHEPS package advanced by the New York City Council is a critical piece of legislation that will bring low-income New Yorkers one step closer to being able to start building a future for themselves and their families.

Video of the press conference is available here

New York—Today, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), Jericho Road Community Health Center, Justice for Migrant Families, allies, faith leaders, member organizations, and immigrant New Yorkers rallied and held a press conference at Niagara Square in support of welcoming asylum seekers to the Buffalo area.

New York, NY—Today, NYS Governor Kathy Houchul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams held a press conference calling for expedited work authorization for asylum seekers, and coordination with local municipalities across the state to house them.

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:

“Today, Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams showed what can be possible when multiple levels of government work together to turn a challenge into an opportunity.

Video of the press conference is available here

New York—Today, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), allies, faith leaders, member organizations, and immigrant New Yorkers rallied and held a press conference at the park beside Columbus Circle in Syracuse.