For generations, immigrants have been the backbone of New York City’s cultural vibrancy and economic strength. Our city has long been a refuge for those seeking freedom and safety, and over the past three years, the Council has worked tirelessly to set a humane and dignified standard for welcoming our newest New Yorkers. Upholding this legacy is essential—because New York’s status as a global powerhouse is built on the tenacity, creativity, and resilience of those who come here in search of safety and opportunity.

To ensure newly arrived immigrants receive the support, resources, and opportunities they need to build stable and fulfilling lives, we launched the WelcomeNYC initiative in March 2023.

In August 2023, we became the first entity in New York City to convene organizations supporting both new arrivals and long-standing immigrant communities. By fostering collaboration, we are strengthening our collective impact and ensuring that every individual seeking a fresh start in our city gets the support they need.

At my State of the City address last year, I announced the creation of the New Arrival Strategy Team—tasked with capturing key details of this historic moment in New York City. This effort cataloged best practices, identified shortfalls, and assessed how we can better respond to an evolving immigrant population. By analyzing what worked and what needs improvement, we are strengthening services and ensuring resources are targeted effectively to help immigrant New Yorkers build their futures.

Most recently, the City Council launched the Protect NYC Families Initiative—a critical effort to safeguard immigrant families, regardless of status. This initiative expands legal services, enhances know-your-rights education, strengthens rapid response efforts, and provides funding for essential resources. We have also developed and hosted information sessions for immigrant New Yorkers, nonprofits, houses of worship, businesses, and other stakeholders—ensuring that communities across our city have the knowledge and tools they need to navigate challenges and protect their rights.

New York City has always been a place of refuge and opportunity. Recognizing both our deep immigrant history and the challenges our immigrant neighbors face today, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that our newest New Yorkers—like generations before them—can count on this city as a place to thrive.

participating organizations

Advocates for Children of New York * Afghans for a Better Tomorrow * Africa Is Everywhere * African Communities Together * Afrikana * Arab American Association of New York * Artists Athletes Activists * Asian American Federation * Ballet Hispanico * CAMBA * Catholic Charities of New York * Central America Legal Assistance * Children’s Health Fund * Chinese American Planning Council * Coalition for Asian American Children and Families * Coalition for Homeless Youth * Columbia School of International and Public Affairs * Community Healthcare Network * Community Service Society * Consortium for Worker Education * Covenant House NY * DC 37 * El Puente * Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies * Good Shepherd Services * Haitian Americans United for Progress * Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees * Her Justice * Hispanic Federation * Homeless Services United * Hot Bread Kitchen * Immigrant ARC * Immigrant Children Advocates’ Relief Effort * JCCA * La Colmena * Literacy Assistance Center * Make the Road New York * Masa * Mixteca * Mother Cabrini Health Foundation * NAMI – NYC * New Immigrant Community Empowerment * New York City Central Labor Council * New York City Employment and Training Coalition * New York Immigration Coalition * New York Junior Tennis League * New York Lawyers for the Public Interest * New York Legal Assistance Group * Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation * Philanthropy New York * PowerPlay NYC * Project Rousseau * Queens Public Library * Refugee Translation Project * Rethink Food * Robin Hood * Riverside Language Program * SBH Health System * Tenement Museum * The Children’s Village * CUNY Citizenship Now! * The Door * The Legal Aid Society * The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center * The Museum of the City of New York * The New York Community Trust * The ROCC * Tirdof * UJA Federation New York * UndocuBlack Network * United Neighborhood Houses * United Way of New York City * UnLocal * Upwardly Global * Urban Resource Institute * Volunteers of America * Win * Women’s Refugee Commission * YMCA of Greater New York