Read the full article here.

New York, NY—Today, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), elected officials, member organizations, allies, and immigrant New Yorkers held an NYC For All Families rally on the City Hall Steps to call for a New York City FY25 budget and legislation that prioritizes the needs of immigrant New Yorkers.

Advocates called for a wide range of measures including the Stop Shelter Evictions Act, $109 million in funding for immigration legal services, a baseline $5 million investment to increase language services, $25M for Promise NYC, and expanded CityFHEPS eligibility regardless of immigration status. 

“The mayor must fully fund services for our communities. Our priorities remain crystal clear: legal services, transfer schools, language justice, and more. From Wolof to Mandarin, people of all backgrounds deserve a shot at a dignified life in our city, and it is our collective power that makes the change we need,” said Council Member Alexa Avilés, District 38, Committee on Immigration Chair.

“NYIC’s 2024 priorities for quality education, good jobs, adequate healthcare, and dignified housing, reflect our unwavering commitment to building a city that uplifts all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status and no matter when they arrived,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif, District 39. “These goals are anchored by my legislation Int. 210, the Stop Shelter Evictions Act, which would eliminate the 30 and 60 Day shelter caps and Int. 214, which aims to stop NYPD and DOC collaboration with ICE for immigrant detention and offering recourse for impacted individuals. Another essential program that puts undocumented families on the path to self-sufficiency is the Promise NYC child care program. The benefits of this program demonstrate what is possible when we invest in stability for working families.”

“Having been born into a family of immigrants, I’ve seen first-hand the roadblocks that our new neighbors face when accessing housing, employment, and education. But I also know what NYIC knows: when immigrants have the resources and support to thrive, our entire city thrives alongside them. After all, this is what sets us apart. This is what makes our city so special. Let’s double down on it—not run away from it,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu, District 7.