John, 

The NYIC is celebrating 35 years of building immigrant power this year. It’s an especially significant birthday because while we have had some setbacks over the years, we have also made important progress in improving the lives of immigrant New Yorkers. But none of it would have been possible without you — our members, partners, allies and supporters.

Recently, the NYIC and members sped into action in response to the busing of asylum-seekers from Texas to New York by welcoming newly arrived families and connecting them to the housing and other supportive services they need.  We are fully prepared to welcome asylum seekers to New York and help them access crucial resources as they start their lives in the United States — but they must be met with dignity and respect when they arrive at the US border. Many arrive at the border after several exhaustive months of traveling, only to be met with no guidance, no medical treatment, little to no food, and immediately put on a 30 hour bus ride with no say on where they’re going. Texas Governor Greg Abbott must be held accountable for his cruel and callous treatment of asylum seekers as political pawns. 

While we continue to advocate to ensure a quick and efficient governmental response to the needs of these newly arrived immigrants, we are also coordinating a rapid response team to get families the basic essentials they need when they arrive. Can you support this effort by making a donation now?

Although former President Trump may no longer hold power, the havoc he created in our immigration system remains and may take years to undo. And acolytes like Texas Governor Abbott and other MAGA conservatives continue to weaponize immigration policy and use immigrants as pawns in their political games to gain and maintain power. But together we can stop them and create a future that includes all of us. None of us are free until all of us are free!

The NYIC was founded with the passage of the first (and last) major piece of comprehensive immigration reform legislation: the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986. IRCA allowed over 2.7 million immigrants to gain legal protected status, a monumental win for immigrant communities. While it was a marker of progress, the act simultaneously created more barriers for immigrants; IRCA made it illegal for businesses to hire undocumented immigrants and increased funding for immigration enforcement. Our founding meant that immigrant New Yorkers were able to successfully navigate the changing policy landscape and get access to the services and the support they needed to ensure their families could continue to thrive in New York.

Since 1987, the NYIC has empowered and protected immigrant communities through successful campaigning, training, education and supporting our 200+ member organizations on the frontlines serving our communities. Learn more about our history and our successes over the last 35 years.

As we look back on the work we have done as an organization, we know we wouldn’t be here without your support. Your donations fuel this movement. Can we count on you to celebrate with us by donating $35? 

We hope you’ll also join us at our “This Is Our New York Gala,” celebrating 35 years of building immigrant power on October 11. ¡Sí se puede!

Onwards,

Murad Awawdeh