With Federal Action on Immigration Stalled, NYIC Action Focuses Slate of Endorsements on Building Power in Albany

New York State (May 5, 2022) –As Washington infighting appears to stymie Federal efforts to reform the US immigration system, the New York Immigration Coalition's sister 501 (c)4 organization, NYIC Action, is seeking to further burnish New York’s leadership on immigrant rights with its third round of endorsements for the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly. The endorsements come after an NYS court ruling threw the primary election timeline and the district maps into question.

NYIC Action's third round of candidate endorsements embraces leaders who have all demonstrated a fierce commitment to immigrant rights and who represent the powerful diversity of New York. Among these champions are Assemblymembers Vivian Cook and Latrice Walker, two women of color who have pushed forward a host of progressive priorities in Albany. 

"The stakes for immigrant New Yorkers in this year’s election cycle are too high to focus solely on Congress," said Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, NYIC Action. "This round of endorsements features a slate of fierce, experienced leaders with a demonstrated record in Albany of pushing forward immigrant rights and building up communities. These are legislators whose time in the halls of power has never tempered their demands for justice for every single one of their constituents, including immigrant New Yorkers. They ensured that the Empire State stood tall against President Trump’s virulent xenophobia and will not allow Federal inaction on immigration reform to stop our efforts to create a New York that works for all of us.”

“Central New York has been a bastion for immigrant and refugee communities for generations and continues to be a welcoming place for people from around the world," said Senator John W. Mannion (SD 50). "I’m committed to advancing the policies and resources to support and promote immigration in my Senate District and New York State. This means ensuring good schools, good legal services, and good jobs. I’m honored to have the endorsement of the NYIC Action as we work across government to support our valued immigrant communities.”

“NYIC action has been on the forefront of advocating for new residents who help make our city run every day, bringing character and opportunities that would not be there otherwise, and I am proud to receive their endorsement,” said Assemblywoman Vivian Cook (AD 32). “Jamaica has always been a welcoming community for immigrants, and in Albany, I will continue to advocate for their rights.”

“I am honored to have the support of NYIC Action. NYIC Action and I share a vision for a more equitable New York in many regards, but one in particular is a New York in which we invest in Coverage for All," said Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs (AD 68). "Healthcare is a human right no matter immigration status or age, and I will continue to fight for this right in New York.”

“I am committed to continued funding support for English Language Learner programs, community schools and digital inclusion programs to provide equity and digital literacy to students, senior citizens or anyone in need of digital access and literacy,” said Assemblymember Steven Otis (AD 91).   

“I’m proud to be endorsed by NYIC Action and ready to continue our work together to build a more just and equitable New York for all of us," said Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia (AD 86). "As an immigrant who raised my four sons in the Bronx, I know the struggles facing immigrant communities and I’m committed to fighting for equal rights and opportunities for all. I will continue to be a steadfast advocate for immigrants in Albany, including fighting for Coverage for All to ensure low-income immigrants have equal access to healthcare programs and services.” 

“As a representative of Brownsville, I have seen how far our state can go when we champion and welcome immigrant New Yorkers,” said Assemblywoman Latrice Walker (AD 55). “That's why I strive to uphold our proud legacy as a beacon for immigrants.  And it’s why I could not be more proud to have NYIC Action’s endorsement. Their fierce championship of immigrant rights makes them an indispensable partner in the effort to build a better New York for all of us.”

This third round of endorsements from NYIC Action includes: 

For the New York State Assembly:

• Vivian Cook (AD 32)

• Latrice Walker (AD 55)

• Edward L Gibbs (AD 68)

• Yudelka Tapia (AD 86)

• Steven Otis (AD 91)

• Demond Meeks (AD 137)

For the New York State Senate:

• Luis Sepulveda (SD 34)

• John Mannion (SD 52)

• Rachel May (SD 55)

The endorsements come after the announcement of a second round of candidates in March. The choices were made following a thorough review of each candidates' records on immigration. Only candidates with a consistent history of championing and securing advancements in immigrant rights received an endorsement.

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NYIC Action Endorses Diverse Slate of Insurgents and Proven Immigrant Rights Champions for Congress and NY State House

New York State (March 23,  2022) –With control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Albany on the ballot this election cycle, the New York Immigration Coalition's sister 501 (c)4 organization, NYIC Action, announced its second round of endorsements for the New York State Senate, New York State Assembly, and U.S. Congress. The endorsements come three months before the June primary elections and amid a completely redrawn series of Congressional, Assembly, and State Senate district maps. 

NYIC Action's second slate of endorsed candidates embraces the growing diversity of New York State. The C4 endorsements include insurgents like military veteran, long-time activist, and Staten Islander Brittany Ramos DeBarros seeking the hyper-competitive 11th Congressional district in New York City. In Queens and Brooklyn, Kristen Gonzalez and Samy Nemir Olivares, two bold first-time candidates, seek to win heavily immigrant districts for the Senate and Assembly. Alongside these new faces to the political scene are a solid set of legislators and political leaders with long histories of immigrant rights advocacy, including Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, and State Senator Roxanne Persaud.

"This year's midterm election cycle will determine everything from control of Congress, Albany, President Joe Biden's agenda, and, ultimately, the future of immigrant rights in New York and the country," said Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, NYIC Action. "To meet the enormity of this moment, our second round of candidates embody the power of American diversity. Whether they are running for office for the first time or they possess years of political experience, all of these individuals have proven themselves to be bold and courageous champions of immigrant rights. Whether in Congress or Albany, we do not doubt that these candidates possess the drive and passion for helping NYIC Action build a bold and inclusive agenda for everyone who calls America home."

“I've seen with my own eyes violent wars overseas which cause massive displacement, and cruel border policies that criminalize those fleeing for safety,” said Brittany Ramos DeBarros (CD 11). “If we want our country to live up to its promise as a 'refuge for huddled masses yearning to breathe free' we must end unjust U.S. military operations around the world. We must expand our refugee visa programs to be truly welcoming and create easier pathways to citizenship for our immigrant communities at home. I look forward to working with NYIC to build a future where everyone, regardless of immigration status, can live in dignity.”

"Immigrants are central to the New York story, that's why I am honored to have the support of NYIC Action," said Sarah Blas (SD 23). "It is impossible to talk about healthcare for all, language justice or accessibility without including the thousands of immigrants we call friends, family and neighbors." 

"As the son of an immigrant who lived here undocumented for 20 years, I'm proud to be endorsed by NYIC Action. I believe in creating a New York for all," said State Senator Jabari Brisport (SD 25). "That means I'm committed to fighting alongside our immigrant communities and pushing for legislation that ensures immigrants can lead safe, fulfilling lives, such as the New York for All Act and the Access to Representation Act."

"I am proud to receive the endorsement of NYIC and work alongside them to build a more equitable New York for immigrant communities," said State Senator Cordell Cleare (SD30). "Fair Pay for Home Care, Universal Childcare for All, and the New York Health Act are among the priorities that I look forward to continuing to work on with NYIC." 

"Thank you, NYIC Action for your leadership on behalf of thousands of my constituents, from Yonkers to Bedford," said State Senator Shelley Mayer (SD39). "Your advocacy on housing, immigration, employment, and other critical issues facing our Westchester immigrant communities continues to result in real improvement for our residents."

 "As an immigrant and a representative in a district of immigrants, I am honored to receive the endorsement of New York Immigrant Coalition Action. I have an incredible respect for the grassroots organizing that has made NYIC-ACTION a leader in amplifying the values and voices of our immigrant communities," said Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou and candidate for NYS Senate District 26. "We are making real progress, but this is just the beginning. I look forward to working closely with them to advance the NYIC-ACTION Blueprint for New York State in Albany, and to create a more just and fair New York for everyone who calls our state home."

"It is undeniable the immense contributions immigrants have made to our state. It is these communities who put their wellbeing on the line during the pandemic and are still paying the cost,” said Vanessa Agudelo (AD 95). “No longer can we afford to overlook the very people whose labor has held up our economy. The days of stopgap measures must end. We must fully fund the Excluded Workers Fund to ensure no family is left behind as we work together to recover from this crisis. I am proud to be receiving NYIC Action's endorsement and be part of this greater movement to build a future where all New Yorkers can thrive and where immigration status is no longer a barrier to living a life with dignity."

"I'm honored to receive the endorsement of NYIC Action," said Assemblymember Harvey Epstein (AD 74). "It has been great partnering with members to ensure we pass Coverage For All and push for funding in the Excluded Workers Fund. Our state needs to be accessible for every New Yorker, and we will continue organizing until we get our priorities met."

"I am honored to have earned the endorsement of NYIC Action as I seek my third term to the New York State Assembly," said Assemblymember Mathylde Frontus (AD 46). "I deeply admire their work to support immigrant communities, especially their advocacy to ensure that those communities have economic justice and good jobs. I echo their call for New York State to allocate an additional $3.1billion to the existing Excluded Worker Fund, which would serve an additional 173,000 excluded workers -- bringing the total to 295,000 beneficiaries across the state."

"We're so proud to have the endorsement of NYIC Action, and we can't wait to fight alongside their members for policies like Coverage for All, which allocate funds towards expanding healthcare coverage to our low-income neighbors who are currently excluded from the Essential Plan due to their immigration status," said Samy Nemir Olivares (AD 54). "We're also excited to work alongside NYIC Action Members to win a fully funded, permanent Excluded Workers Fund so all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, can access key benefits."

This second round of endorsements from NYIC Action includes: 

For the New York State Assembly:

• Charles Lavine (AD 13)

• Taylor Darling (AD 18)

• Khaleel Anderson (AD 31)

• Juan Ardila (AD 37)

• Zohran Mamdani (AD 36)

• Rodneyse Bichotte (AD 42)

• Jelanie DeShong (AD 43)

• Mathylde Frontus (AD 46)

• Emily Gallagher (AD 50)

• Samy Nemir Olivares (AD 54)

• Al Taylor (AD 71)

• Harvey Epstein (AD 74)

• Nathalia Fernandez (AD 80)

• Kenny Burgos (AD 85)

• Vanessa Agudelo (AD 95)

For the New York State Senate:

• Kristen Gonzalez (SD 17)

• Roxanne Persaud (SD 19)

• Sarah Blas (SD 23)

• Jabari Brisport (SD 25)

• Yuh-Line Niou (SD 26)

• Cordell Cleare (SD 30)

• Shelley Mayer (SD 37)

• Neil Breslin (SD 44)

• Michelle Hinchey (SD 46)

• Lea Webb (SD 53)

For the U.S. Congress:

• Grace Meng (CD 6)

• Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (CD 14)

• Jamaal Bowman (CD 16)

• Hakeem Jeffries (CD 8)

• Brittany Ramos DeBarros (CD 11)

• Adriano Espaillat (CD 13)

• Yvette Clarke (CD 9)

• Jerrold Nadler (CD 10)

• Nydia Velázquez (CD 7)

The endorsements come after the announcement of a first round of candidates in February. The choices were made following a thorough review of each candidates' records on immigration. Only candidates with a consistent history of championing and securing advancements in immigrant rights received an endorsement.

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NYIC Action Focuses on Securing a State Legislature Dominated by Immigrant Rights Champions, as Immigrant Workers Continue to Battle on the Frontlines of COVID19

New York, NY (February, 7  2022) – As New York’s 4.4 million immigrants continue to serve on the front lines against a pandemic entering its third year, the New York Immigration Coalition’s sister 501 (c)4 organization, NYIC Action, announced its first round of endorsements for the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly. The endorsements came after Albany legislators released new Congressional, Assembly, and state Senate district maps. 

NYIC Action’s slate of candidates includes first-term state representatives like Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas whose championing of the Coverage for All Act vastly expands healthcare coverage for immigrant New Yorkers. Similarly, Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes and Senator Samra Brouk have both seized upon their first terms in office to deliver tangible results for New York’s immigrant communities.  The C4’s first round of endorsements also included legislators with proven records on immigrant rights, such as Senators Jessica Ramos, Brad Hoylman, and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz.  Finally, NYIC Action endorsed Manny De Los Santos in the Special Election for Assembly District 72.

“To our state leaders, we want to be crystal clear–’thanking’ our dairy farmworkers, or the countless other immigrant essential workers for keeping us fed, safe, and healthy during two years of a global pandemic is not nearly enough, anymore,” said Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, NYIC Action. “At a minimum, immigrant New Yorkers deserve and demand true access to affordable healthcare, inclusive economic relief, and basic protections from ICE and being torn away from the state and communities into which we have put so much love, sweat, and tears. All of these NYIC Action-endorsed candidates, whether they are veteran representatives occupying significant leadership positions or first-time legislators, recognize the sacrifice of New York’s immigrant essential workers and that New York State cannot recover without them. These leaders will ensure that the experiences and needs of immigrant New Yorkers will continue to be heard in the halls of power from election day and throughout their service. These leaders recognize that New York is stronger because of New York’s 4.4 million immigrants.” 

“In 2021, we won a $2.1 billion dollar relief fund for excluded workers,” said Senator Jessica Ramos. “In 2022, we’re coming back for $3 billion more to cover anyone who lost income during the pandemic and wasn’t able to access funds in the first round. There is no excuse for essential workers who kept New York running during the worst of the pandemic to go without a safety net and that's why we're also proposing a permanent solution to this injustice with my new Excluded No More bill.”

“I am proud to once again be endorsed by NYIC Action. Immigrant New Yorkers have depended on us during this pandemic, and we will continue to fight for them by guaranteeing access to health care and legal services, as well as resources to support workers and small businesses recovery,” said Assemblymember Catalina Cruz. “Our immigrant communities are this City and State's lifeline and I look forward to my continued partnership with NYIC Action to ensure that they thrive.”  

"I'm thrilled and honored to have regained the support of NYIC Action for my re-election. During my first year in office, I'm proud to have worked alongside NYIC Action and the movement for immigrant rights to advocate to provide healthcare coverage to our undocumented siblings. No one should be excluded from our healthcare system because everyone should receive the care they need. I'm excited to continue our work together to advance immigrant justice in New York State and push our federal partners to do the same. We will win," said Assemblymember Jessica Gonzáles-Rojas.

“As a former undocumented immigrant, I am honored to be endorsed by the New York Immigration Coalition Action, a group of grassroots organizations that are effective advocates for immigrants across New York,” said Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes. “Whether it be fighting for quality education or against deportations, NYIC has fought tirelessly for our immigrant communities. This session I am particularly excited to work alongside NYIC to pass bills such as the New York for All Act and the Access to Representation Act to reduce state cooperation with ICE and ensure immigrants facing deportation have a right to counsel.”  

"As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, I’m committed to making New York state a sanctuary for all people, regardless of their imigration status,” said Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest. “ In the Assembly, I am fighting to protect New Yorkers from ICE. I am fighting to extend voting rights and the right to social services to all New Yorkers by passing the New York Is Home Act. And I am fighting to protect immigrant workers by ending wage theft, allowing workers to bring public enforcement action to stop labor violations, and extending labor rights to domestic workers."

This first round of endorsements from NYIC Action also includes: 

For the New York State Assembly: 

• Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie 

• Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes 

• Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes

• Assemblymember Catalina Cruz

• Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas

• Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest

• Assemblymember Pamela Hunter 

• Assemblymember Latoya Joyner

• Assemblymember Phil Ramos 

• Assemblymember Karines Reyes 

• Assemblymember Michelle Solanges

For the New York State Senate:

• Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins 

• Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris 

• Senator Gustavo Rivera 

• Senator Julia Salazar 

• Senator Brad Hoylman

• Senator Jessica Ramos

• Senator Samra Brouk

• Senator Jeremy Cooney 

• Senator Andrew Gounardes 

• Senator Tim Kennedy

For Special Election in Assembly District 72:

•  Manny De Los Santos

The endorsements were made following a thorough review of each candidates’ records on immigration. Only candidates with a consistent history of championing and securing advancements in immigrant rights received an endorsement.

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NY’s Redistricting Commission Failed, Is Albany Ready to Produce Fair District Maps?

New York, NY (Monday, January 24, 2022) -This morning, the NY Independent Redistricting Commission announced it would not meet the January 25 deadline to send a final set of proposed district maps to the NYS legislature. Earlier this month, Albany legislators voted down the two sets of maps the Commission unveiled. The maps detail New York’s congressional and state legislative districts. With the Democrats holding a very narrow majority in the US House of Representatives, these maps will have a national impact. 

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, issued the following statement:

“It is absurd that the Independent Redistricting Commission failed in its fundamental mission. We worked too hard to ensure our immigrant communities were counted in the 2020 Census to accept the status quo regarding redistricting and community representation. Albany lawmakers must use the public input submitted to the Commission and deliver fair maps. Immigrants and communities across New York State deserve fair districts, and this is our one chance to get them this decade. Rather than draw partisan maps whose sole purpose is to protect incumbents, as in the past, our State Legislature must deliver for New Yorkers and draw maps that protect minority voting rights and ensure fair representation for all. We call on them to use all public input submitted to the Commission and to hold a hearing for public comment after their maps are drawn and before the vote.”   

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About NYIC Action

NYIC Action (nyicaction.org) was originally formed in 2010 as a sister organization to the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), a 501(c)(3) coalition with 200 member organizations across New York State. In order to increase the political potency of the immigrant vote, Immigrant Action endorses candidates and elected officials who stand up for immigrant communities and against anti-immigrant opponents. Immigrant Action engages in targeted advocacy on specific immigrant-related issues such as legislative scorecards, pointed advocacy flyers highlighting individual elected officials’ stances, and intensive grassroots and direct lobbying of elected officials. 

Albany Legislators Solely Responsible for Creating Fair and Representative Maps

New York, NY (January 11, 2022)–Yesterday, Albany legislators voted down the Independent Redistricting Commission’s maps. Now, the maps head back to the commission, which has two weeks to reconfigure and resubmit plans for another shot at lawmakers’ approval. The Independent Redistricting Commission released two sets of draft maps after failing to reach bipartisan consensus earlier this month. The maps detail the districts for New York’s congressional and state legislative seats. With the Democrats holding a very narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, these maps will have a national impact. 

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, issued the following statement:

“We worked too hard to ensure immigrants were counted in the census to have our efforts undone by bureaucrats with a political agenda. Albany lawmakers must use all public input submitted to the Commission through the fall and hold a hearing for public comment after they finish drawing their maps and before they vote on them. Immigrants and communities across New York State deserve fair districts, and this is our one chance to get them this decade. Our State Legislature must deliver for New Yorkers and draw maps that are inclusive of all public input and protect minority voting rights and ensure fair representation for all.”   

Background:

NYIC Action is the lead facilitator of the Mapping Our Future campaign, a statewide coalition of 100+ grassroots organizations engaged in sustained and sophisticated political advocacy to protect immigrants and communities of colors’ power in the redistricting process.

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Albany Legislators Can’t Repeat Redistricting Commission’s Failure to Create Fair District Maps

New York, NY (January 4, 2022) - This morning, the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission released two sets of draft maps after failing to reach bipartisan consensus. The maps detail the districts for New York’s congressional and state legislative seats. With the Democrats holding a very narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, these maps will have a national impact. These drafts are not final, and the initiative now passes to the state legislature, who must draw and pass their own set of maps.

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, NYIC Action:

“This morning The NYS Independent Redistricting Commission has wholly failed in its core mission to present New Yorkers with a single non-partisan map that protects minority voting rights and is fully inclusive of public input. Despite this commission’s failures, there exists a wealth of public input, provided by hundreds of ordinary New Yorkers. Albany legislators must seize on this information and deliver the fairest maps possible to the voters of this state. To that end, the New York Immigration Coalition calls on the state legislature to utilize the trove of public input collected by the redistricting commission to produce fair maps, and to hold a public hearing immediately after their maps are finalized.”

Background:

The NYIC Action is the lead facilitator of the Mapping Our Future campaign, a statewide coalition of 100+ grassroots organizations that are engaged in sustained and sophisticated political advocacy, to protect immigrants and communities of colors’ power in the redistricting process.

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NYIC Action’s Slate of City Council Candidates Cruise to Victory, Poised to Make History

New York, NY (November 2, 2021)- Tonight, many of NYIC Action’s (the New York Immigration Coalition’s sister 501 (c)4 organization) slate of candidates for the City Council secured resounding victories and prepared to remake New York’s legislative body. While a few races are yet to be called, it is clear that the City Council achieved gender parity for the first time and will be among the most diverse in the city’s history. 

All endorsed candidates committed to NYIC Action’s political agenda, 2021: A Vision for NYC, an inclusive policy plan to ensure that every New Yorker can thrive. 

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, issued the following statement:

“In 2021, NYIC Action tapped into New York’s growing immigrant communities—many of them first-time voters—across the city to get out the vote for leaders who promised to protect and empower immigrant New Yorkers. With a pandemic and an economic recession ravaging New York, we need leaders in City Hall who will ensure opportunity for all. The resounding victories of our slate of City Council candidates ensure that New York’s future City Council will be the most diverse in history. These are working moms, immigrants, and activists who know how essential our immigrant communities were during the pandemic and will be for our recovery and will bring that knowledge to City Hall. NYIC Action congratulates our candidates and Mayor-elect Eric Adams on their victories. We look forward to working with the Adams administration and this new class of Council Members on making real investments in our schools, bolstering the city’s legal protections for immigrants, and blazing a trail for immigrant civil rights.”     

So far, NYIC Action-endorsed candidates with strong leads or confirmed victories include

The Bronx:

• Kevin Riley – District 12 

• Marjorie Velázquez – District 13

• Amanda Farias – District 18

Brooklyn:

• Antonio Reynoso – Brooklyn Borough President

• Eric Gonzalez-Brooklyn District Attorney

• Lincoln Restler – District 33 

• Jennifer Gutierrez – District 34 

• Crystal Hudson – District 35

• Sandy Nurse – District 37

• Alexa Aviles – District 38

• Shahana Hanif – District 39

• Rita Joseph – District 40

• Farah Louis – District 45 

Manhattan:

• Carlina Rivera – District 2 

• Erik Bottcher – District 3

• Shaun Abreu – District 7

• Diana Ayala – District 8 

• Carmen De La Rosa – District 10 

Queens:

• Donovan Richards – Queens Borough President

• Tiffany Caban – District 22

• Adrienne Adams – District 28

Background

This election cycle, NYIC Action endorsed in the Brooklyn District Attorney, the City Council, and four out of five of the Borough President races. Each round of endorsements was made following a careful review of candidates who pledged to build immigrant power and guarantee civil rights, end state support for detention, deportation, and mass incarceration, ensure economic justice and good jobs, and create quality education for all. 

The 2021 platform also included the Our City Our Vote campaign, which supports legislation to permit lawfully present residents and those with work authorizations to vote in municipal elections, such as races for mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough president, and city council, as well as referenda and other local contests. The original legislation was introduced by Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez in January 2020 and supported by a super-majority of Council Members.

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With Second Parliamentarian Ruling Blocking Legalization, Immigrant NYers Demand Schumer Deliver on a Pathway to Citizenship

New York, NY (September 29, 2021)–Today, the Senate Parliamentarian, an unelected staff member of the Senate, advised that she would reject the latest version of the immigration provisions (a proposal to update the registry law) included in the Democrats’ $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation infrastructure package. The decision comes a few weeks after the Senate Parliamentarian knocked down the original provisions, specifically a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrant Americans. 

Yesterday, Senator Dick Durbin announced the Democrats would pursue a proposal to update the registry law, which would increase the number of immigrants eligible to apply for legal status, in response to the Parliamentarian’s original ruling on a pathway to citizenship for immigrants. Legalizing millions of immigrants will result in an additional $149 billion in GDP and $39 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, according to a recently released FWD.us report. Overcoming the Senate Parliamentarian’s decision requires a unified 50 vote majority in the Senate. 

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, NYIC Action:

“Twice now, an unelected bureaucrat has attempted to thwart the best chance for immigrant justice in over thirty years. But the Senate Parliamentarian’s strict adherence to arcane procedural technicalities does not outweigh the needs of millions of immigrant families waiting for relief. Congressional Democrats must make good on their promises to American voters and immigrants, who have kept our country running throughout this pandemic. With midterm elections looming, Congressional Democrats have an easy choice to make: do they listen to the majority of American voters who support legalization? Or do they allow obscure Senate procedures to derail their agenda and endanger the country’s economic recovery? Democrats must seize the moment to ensure America’s economic recovery and growth. That’s why today we will be holding a vigil outside of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s Brooklyn home and will keep the pressure on with a follow-up action at his midtown office on Friday at Noon.”

Background:

Throughout September, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) has joined its national partners in a series of actions demanding that Congressional Democrats hold firm on their promise to deliver a pathway to citizenship.  Over the summer, NYIC and Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM)  members led one thousand immigrant essential workers, elected officials, and immigrant rights advocates to demand the inclusion of a pathway to citizenship in the Democrats’ budget reconciliation infrastructure bill. 

A few weeks before the inauguration of President Biden, NYIC launched an aggressive campaign targeted at key members of New York’s Democratic congressional delegation, demanding an unequivocal commitment to achieving a pathway to citizenship. NYIC’s work is part of a multi-organizational and national effort spearheaded by FIRM to transform America’s immigration system. A recent Data for Progress poll revealed a clear majority of Americans, 67%, support legalization for Dreamers, TPS recipients, and essential workers. A FWD.us report  outlined that legalization would provide $149 billion in GDP and $39 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.

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Immigrant Rights Advocates and Allies Send Powerful Letter to Sen. Schumer Demanding Majority Leader Stand Firm on Pathway to Citizenship

New York, NY (September 14, 2021)–As Congress prepares to vote on the Democrats’ $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation infrastructure package, NYIC Action and Make the Road Action are joining several local and national partners on a letter to US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). The letter lays out the groups’ demand that Majority Leader Schumer holds firm on the pathway to citizenship offered by the reconciliation package.  

The groups signing onto the letter include some of the largest immigrant advocacy and progressive political organizations in NY State, including CPD Action, CUFFH Action, Community Voices Heard Power, FIRM Action, Jews For Racial and Economic Justice, MPower Action Fund, Make The Road Action, Muslim Democratic Club of NY, NAKASEC Action, National Partnership for New Americans, NYIC Action, New York Communities for Change, New York Working Families Party, The Jewish Vote, Until Freedom, and Yalla Brooklyn.

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, issued the following statement:

“Our leaders in Washington have a chance to finally end three decades of broken promises and the partisan gridlock that has hurt immigrant families and now threatens America’s economic recovery. It’s long past time that Democrats make good on their promises to immigrant voters and the American people. Now, Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer must stay the course to seize this historic opportunity and deliver a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrant essential workers. A pathway to citizenship is good for America’s economy, communities and good for millions of hard-working families who have waited long enough for the stability they need to move forward in their lives and thrive.”  

Theo Oshiro, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road Action, issued the following statement:

“This is the moment for a path to citizenship for our people, and we’re counting on Senator Schumer to get it done. DACA and TPS recipients, essential workers, and farmworkers have been toiling in the shadows—with the constant fear of being torn from their loved ones—for far too long. It’s time to deliver a reconciliation package that will bring them safety and security while also benefiting a United States economy that relies deeply on their labor.”

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BREAKING: NYIC Action’s Slate of Candidates Emerge Victorious, Make Up One of the Most Diverse City Councils in History

New York, NY (July 7, 2021)- Following the New York City Board of Elections’ release of official vote tallies in the June 22 Democratic primary, it is clear that the vast majority of NYIC Action’s slate of candidates for City Council have emerged victorious. These incoming Council Members will be fierce advocates for immigrant New Yorkers. All of the endorsed candidates committed to NYIC Action’s political agenda, 2021: A Vision for NYC, an inclusive policy plan to ensure that every New Yorker can thrive. NYIC Action is the New York Immigration Coalition’s sister 501 (c)4 organization. 

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, issued the following statement:

“With the votes finally tallied, we know that the most consequential elections in a generation resulted in an incredibly diverse and progressive slate of Council Members. This year, the future of New York and the nature of our recovery from COVID-19 and the economic recession were on the ballot. In response, New York voters sent leaders to City Hall who understand how essential our immigrant communities were during the pandemic and will be for our recovery. Whether they are incumbents with solid records of advocacy or first-time candidates seeking to shake up politics as usual with a progressive vision for the city, each of these individuals campaigned on platforms that clearly underscored their commitment to giving voice to the immigrant New Yorkers and working families ignored for far too long. Now more than ever, we need leaders at every level of city government who will ensure opportunity for all. So as we wait for every vote to be counted, we celebrate the progress we made towards building a more inclusive city!”

During the 2021 New York City Democratic Primary election cycle, NYIC Action reached more than 50,000 unlikely primary voters in the immigrant-heavy boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. NYIC Action targeted unlikely primary voters to tap into an often ignored bloc constituency. 

Victorious NYIC Action-endorsed candidates include:

The Bronx:

• Kevin Riley – District 12 

• Marjorie Velázquez – District 13

• Amanda Farias – District 18

Brooklyn:

• Antonio Reynoso – Brooklyn Borough President

• Lincoln Restler – District 33

• Jennifer Gutierrez – District 34 

• Crystal Hudson – District 35

• Sandy Nurse – District 37

• Alexa Aviles – District 38

• Shahana Hanif – District 39

• Rita Joseph – District 40

• Farah Louis – District 45 

Manhattan:

• Carlina Rivera – District 2 

• Erik Bottcher – District 3

• Shaun Abreu – District 7

• Diana Ayala – District 8 

• Carmen De La Rosa – District 10 

Queens:

• Donovan Richards – Queens Borough President

• Tiffany Caban – District 22

• Linda Lee – District 23

• Adrienne Adams – District 28

• Felicia Singh – District 32

Background

This election cycle, NYIC Action endorsed in the Manhattan and Brooklyn District Attorney, the City Council, and four out of five of the Borough President races. Each round of endorsements was made following a careful review of candidates who pledged to build immigrant power and guarantee civil rights, end state support for detention, deportation, and mass incarceration, ensure economic justice and good jobs, and create quality education for all. 

The 2021 platform also includes the Our City Our Vote campaign, which supports legislation to permit lawfully present residents and those with work authorizations to vote in municipal elections, such as races for mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough president, and city council, as well as referenda and other local contests. The original legislation was introduced by Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez in January 2020 and supported by a super-majority of Council Members.

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