Dignified Immigration System
“I came to New York and began my life on the Upper West Side. This city gave me a sense of safety when I first arrived, and I want to ensure that same security for others.”
In recent years, we've witnessed harmful characterizations and policy decisions that target newly arrived migrants—including those by our current mayor. With the return of the Trump administration and an intensification of anti-immigrant policies, we must be proactive in defending our city’s immigrant communities.
I have firsthand experience leading the fight for asylum seekers during Trump’s first term, running a shelter that provided safety and support to those in need. I understand what it takes to protect vulnerable individuals and what policies are needed to safeguard both our people and our economy.
Over the past several years, New York has seen a huge influx of over 200,000 newly arrived immigrants. And with the incoming Trump administration, more than 600,000 undocumented immigrants who live in New York face the threat of deportation. In order to address the needs of our immigrant neighbors, New York should:
Refugees arriving in New York have a range of needs, from housing to education to work. New York City should create a Welcome, Reception, and Integration Program, helping newly arrived immigrants access services and integrate into our community.
Over 172,000 people in immigration courts in New York are currently unrepresented. New York needs to fund legal representation for immigrants to fight against mass deportations and to help complete work permit applications and asylum claims.
Pass Intro 214, which would ensure that the mayor abides by New York City’s sanctuary city laws
Ensure that immigrant workers are not criminalized by processing the backlog of street vendor permits and helping deliveristas to be able to do their job safely