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.
NYIC Demands Justice for Sexually Assaulted Asylum Seeker
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.
55 Local Elected Officials From Across NYS Call on Legislature to Pass New York For All
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.
Immigrant Rights Advocates & Elected Officials Rally to Keep NY Families Together, Pass New York For All Act
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.
Immigrant Advocates Applaud NYC Council Package on CityFHEPS Housing Vouchers
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.
Immigrant Rights Advocates & Faith Leaders Welcome Asylum Seekers to Erie County, Applaud County Exec Poloncarz
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.
Immigrant Advocates Commend Gov. Hochul’s Call to NYS Counties to Welcome Asylum Seekers & Demands for Expedited Work Permits From Biden
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.
Immigrant Advocates & Allies Reject Onondaga County Executive Order on Asylum Seekers
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.
Immigrant Advocates Demand Coordination from Mayor Adams in Ensuring Safe & Welcoming Reception for Asylum Seekers Sent to Sullivan County
New York, NY—Today, New York City Mayor Adams sent asylum seekers to hotels in Liberty and Monticello, NY. The Sullivan County Legislature Chairman released a statement opposing the move.
Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:
“For centuries, people have immigrated to New York State and contributed to the communities that we all live in today.
Immigrant Advocates Demand Mayor Adams’ Scrap Plan to House Asylum Seekers At Rikers Island Jail
New York, NY—Today, the New York Daily News reported that New York City officials are seriously considering a plan to house newly arriving asylum seekers in a now-shuttered Rikers Island jail.
Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Rikers Island has a long track record of causing nothing but pain, suffering and death to those that have been forced to reside there.