New York, NY—Today, NYIC Action, the 501(c)4 sister organization of the New York Immigration Coalition, announced its endorsements for the New York City Council. All endorsed candidates have enthusiastically committed to championing NYIC Action’s policy platform, “2023: A Vision for New York City,” a plan that works to protect the rights of all New Yorkers and pushes legislation initiatives that will help immigrants not just survive but thrive in New York.
NYIC Action’s agenda is centered in five policy areas that are critical to immigrants in New York City. The issue areas include: ending state support for detention; deportation and mass incarceration; creating healthy communities; securing quality education; building political power and guaranteed civil rights; and ensuring economic justice and good jobs.
Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, said:
“With the arrival of over 50,000 asylum seekers since last spring, New York City is at a critical moment in building on its rich history as a welcoming city for all immigrants. To meet the needs of this moment, it is more important than ever that we have champions in city government who are fighting for the rights and security of every single New Yorker, whether they arrived here 30 years or 30 days ago. In the last City Council elections in 2021, NYIC Action helped propel a range of pro-immigrant candidates into office. In 2023, we are pleased to endorse an exciting slate of candidates who over the last two years have shown their commitment to supporting our immigrant communities. When this slate is elected we will be in an even stronger position to pass legislation that centers the health, education, jobs and rights of our immigrant neighbors.”
NYIC Action's endorsed candidates are:
In Manhattan:
Christopher Marte - District 1
Carlina Rivera - District 2
Erik Bottcher - District 3
Julie Menin - District 5
Gale Brewer - District 6
Shaun Abreu - District 7
Diana Ayala - District 8
Carmen De La Rosa - District 10
In The Bronx:
Marjorie Velazquez - District 13
Pierina Sanchez - District 14
Althea Stevens - District 16
Amanda Farias - District 18
In Brooklyn:
Jennifer Gutiérrez - District 34
Crystal Hudson - District 35
Chi Ossé - District 36
Sandy Nurse - District 37
Alexa Aviles - District 38
Shahana Hanif - District 39
Rita Joseph - District 40
Justin Brannan - District 47
In Queens:
Francisco Moya - District 21
Tiffany Cabán - District 22
Linda Lee - District 23
Shekar Krishnan - District 25
Nantasha Williams - District 27
Adrienne Adams - District 28
Lynn Schulman - District 29
"I'm proud to be endorsed by New York Immigration Coalition Action, as we work to ensure the City equally prioritizes support for immigrant communities that are critical to the strength of our neighborhoods. As New Yorkers, we must share in the benefits and struggles of our city. I will continue to provide leadership that centers the diversity of New York City, empowers immigrant communities, and delivers access to the resources that improve the lives of all New Yorkers who too often have not been a priority of the government. I look forward to continuing the work with advocates, communities, and everyday residents to secure equitable inclusion in advancement opportunities for immigrant New Yorkers." said NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (CD28).
"I am honored to once again have NYIC Action's endorsement. NYIC Action has worked tirelessly to dismantle the oppressive systems that prevent hardworking individuals who come to our city from creating a better life for themselves and their families. I am proud to stand with NYIC Action and work towards creating a better home for our city's more than 3 million immigrants," said Councilmember Crystal Hudson (CD35).
"It doesn't matter if you've been a New Yorker since birth or since breakfast, you are home now. New York is a city of immigrants built by immigrants and powered by immigrants. That's who we are and who we will always be. I'm grateful for the endorsement of New York Immigration Coalition Action, a powerful advocate for the rights and dignity of all people. Together, we will work to ensure that every voice is heard and all people are treated with dignity, respect and fairness,” said Councilmember Justin Brannan (CD47).
“As the daughter of two working-class Bangladeshi immigrants, I am overjoyed to have the NYIC Action in my corner once again. Having worked with the coalition to push our City toward a compassionate response to incoming asylum seekers, I am thrilled we will be working together on my reelection campaign. I have always sought to put the needs of our immigrant communities front and center in my political work, from my work in government and Immigration Committee Chair to our grassroots organizing across my district. With the help of the NYIC Action, I know this election we’ll turn out even more of our immigrant neighbors and send a strong message to City Hall that in New York City, immigrant rights are human rights,” said Councilmember Shahana Hanif (CD39).
“I am very grateful to be endorsed by New York Immigration Coalition Action! NYIC Action has been leading the charge to secure fundamental rights for immigrants across our state, many of whom work laborious jobs for low pay and little recognition. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with NYIC Action to improve conditions for immigrant workers by expanding street vendor licenses, fighting for rights for gig workers, and ending 24 hour workdays for home attendants,” said Councilmember Christopher Marte (CD1).
“As the daughter of an immigrant, I am thrilled to receive the endorsement of NYIC. I look forward to continuing my partnership with NYIC Action fighting for a more just and equitable City that supports its strong and diverse immigrant population,” said Councilmember Julie Menin (CD5).
“We are thrilled to be endorsed by New York Immigration Coalition Action. The battle to protect our immigrant families is personal for me. As a son of Dominican immigrants and first attorney in my family, I will work to finally secure the universal right to counsel for every single immigrant facing the threat of deportation in New York City. I will also be a champion for immigrant workers and small business owners by making sure they have equal access to the resources they need to flourish,” said Councilmember Shaun Abreu (CD7).
"I am proud to stand in solidarity with New York Immigration Coalition Action and am grateful for their endorsement. With rising anti-immigrant sentiments in our country and the ongoing humanitarian crisis facing asylum seekers and other immigrants, we need the leadership of NYIC Action to advance policies that ensure the conditions necessary for a just future for immigrants. I commit to fighting for the NYIC Action agenda. As Chair of the Civil Service and Labor Committee, in particular, I commit to supporting immigrant workers' efforts to improve their working conditions and livelihood,” said Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa (CD10).
"I am proud to stand with NYIC Action in its fight to transfer resources from detention, deportation, and mass incarceration to public education, public health, and economic justice. It is an honor to have their endorsement of my campaign for true public safety and a city where working people are free from the domination of the billionaire class. To win that city, we must build immigrant power, and that's what NYIC Action is all about,” said Councilmember Tiffany Caban (CD22).
“I’ve been proud to stand with New York Immigration Coalition Action in every fight for immigrant New Yorkers, from winning cash relief for undocumented families during COVID, to expanding the right to vote to green card holders, to guaranteeing legal representation for our neighbors facing deportation. I’m humbled to have the support of these fierce immigrant justice advocates,” said Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (CD25).
“Thank you to NYIC Action for your endorsement of my re-election campaign. Your support not only validates the work I've done, but also inspires me to continue fighting for the issues that matter most to immigrant communities. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve,” said Councilmember Nantasha Williams (CD27).
"NYIC Action is leading the charge to ensure that New York’s immigrant communities have true partners in government, and I am honored to have their support. As Chair of the Council’s Health Committee and a longtime health care advocate, I especially share their focus on addressing health care inequalities and inequities across the five boroughs. Every New Yorker should have access to quality, affordable health care — as well as housing, education, and other essential services — regardless of their immigration and economic status. I look forward to continuing my collaboration with NYIC Action to build a better city for everyone,” said Councilmember Lynn Schulman (CD29).
“I’m proud to have the support of NYC Action and am dedicated to the fight for greater stability and support to our newest neighbors in New York City. District 38 is home to a diverse range of immigrant communities who demand their fair share of resources from city government and should expect nothing less. If re-elected, I remain ready to center their voices and champion their causes in city hall,” said Councilmember Alexa Aviles (CD38).
"It is a great privilege to receive the endorsement of NYIC Action. As an immigrant myself, I deeply understand the challenges and obstacles that immigrant families encounter in our city. I am proud to work alongside NYIC Action to fight for solutions that address these challenges head-on. From securing quality education for our children to promoting economic justice in our communities, there is much work to be done to create a fair and just future for immigrants. I am committed to this critical work, and I thank NYIC Action for their partnership and support," said Councilmember Rita Joseph (CD40).
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