Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.

New York City Council

Committee on Immigration

Mar 06, 2025

·

10:00 AM

6 hr 44 min

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Summary

A hearing on the fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget for immigrant services and programs in New York City.

Discussions focused on:

  • Funding priorities
  • Coordination between agencies
  • Addressing increased demands for legal services
  • Language access
  • Support for immigrants facing deportation risks

The hearing highlighted challenges facing immigrant communities and debates over budget allocations for various programs including adult literacy, legal services, and worker cooperatives.

Features testimony from the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO), and the public.

Meeting chapters

Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.

REMARKS

Committee on Immigration hearing called to order with introductions

Council member Alexa Avilés, chair of the Committee on Immigration, calls the meeting to order and opens the hearing on the city's fiscal 2026 preliminary budget. She acknowledges the presence …

0:07:34

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34 sec

REMARKS

Overview of New York City's immigrant population and recent arrivals

Council member Avilés provides an overview of New York City's immigrant population, highlighting the recent influx of newcomers and comparing it to historical immigration patterns. She notes the current number …

0:08:09

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31 sec

REMARKS

Concerns raised about funding and coordination of immigrant services

Council member Avilés expresses concerns about the administration's commitment to supporting immigrants, highlighting issues with funding adequacy and coordination between agencies. She questions the current structure's effectiveness and suggests the …

0:08:41

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113 sec

REMARKS

MOIA's budget and staffing challenges highlighted

Council member Avilés discusses the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) budget and staffing issues, emphasizing the office's crucial role in providing immigrant services and the challenges it faces due …

0:10:35

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37 sec

REMARKS

OASO's budget allocation and future uncertainty discussed

Council member Avilés outlines the Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO) budget allocation and raises concerns about its long-term strategy and future funding. She highlights the disparity between OASO and …

0:11:13

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62 sec

REMARKS

Concerns raised about MOIA and OASO's transparency and responsiveness

Council member Avilés expresses frustration with MOIA and OASO's lack of timely responses to the committee's inquiries and emphasizes the need for improved communication and transparency from these offices. - …

0:12:16

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92 sec

REMARKS

Closing remarks and acknowledgments before testimony

Council member Avilés concludes her opening statement with acknowledgments of staff members and introduces the upcoming testimony from MOIA and OASO officials. - Thanks given to committee staff and personal …

0:13:49

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28 sec

REMARKS

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams introduces himself and thanks the committee

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams introduces himself to the committee and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to provide a statement at the hearing. He thanks Chair Viles for organizing the event …

0:14:18

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11 sec

REMARKS

Public Advocate Williams criticizes the mayor's leadership on immigration issues

Jumaane Williams strongly criticizes the mayor's recent actions and leadership on immigration issues. He expresses disappointment in the mayor's approach and acknowledges the difficult circumstances faced by city officials. - …

0:14:29

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46 sec

REMARKS

Williams compares costs of asylum seeker services to Trump's immigration agenda

Jumaane Williams presents a cost comparison between New York City's expenditure on asylum seeker services and the projected costs of Trump's immigration agenda. He argues that the city's spending is …

0:15:16

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87 sec

REMARKS

Williams criticizes mayor's overbudgeting and misallocation of funds for asylum seekers

Jumaane Williams criticizes the mayor's budgeting practices, accusing him of overbudgeting for asylum seeker services and using this as a justification for cuts to other city services. He argues that …

0:16:44

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40 sec

REMARKS

Williams addresses long-term New Yorkers about resource allocation

Jumaane Williams directly addresses long-term New Yorkers who feel they have been neglected in favor of new migrants. He emphasizes that the city has always had the resources to provide …

0:17:25

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26 sec

REMARKS

Williams calls for retaining necessary asylum seeker services

Jumaane Williams emphasizes the need to maintain essential services for asylum seekers as their numbers in shelters decrease. He stresses the importance of addressing the ongoing needs of these communities …

0:17:51

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20 sec

REMARKS

Williams advocates for increased funding for rapid legal services

Jumaane Williams calls for increased funding for rapid legal services, emphasizing their critical importance for non-citizen communities. He urges the mayor and city council to allocate additional funds to support …

0:18:12

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41 sec

REMARKS

Williams emphasizes New York's identity as a city of immigrants

Jumaane Williams reaffirms New York City's identity as a city of immigrants, emphasizing the continuity between current asylum seekers and previous generations of immigrants. He calls for continued support and …

0:18:53

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29 sec

REMARKS

Williams addresses misconceptions about sanctuary cities and immigrant communities

Jumaane Williams challenges misconceptions about sanctuary cities and immigrant communities, emphasizing that these policies do not compromise safety. He also highlights the disproportionate impact of deportation on Black immigrants. - …

0:19:22

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31 sec

REMARKS

Williams criticizes mayor's handling of the asylum seeker situation

Jumaane Williams criticizes the mayor's approach to handling the asylum seeker situation, pointing out the contradiction between the mayor's initial confidence and the current challenges. He expresses disappointment in the …

0:19:52

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19 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction and acknowledgment of committee members

Commissioner Manuel Castro of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) opens the budget hearing by thanking the committee chairs and introducing his team members. - Acknowledges Chair Aviles, Chair …

0:21:06

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30 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Reassurance to immigrant communities about NYC's sanctuary policies

Commissioner Castro delivers a heartfelt message to immigrant communities, emphasizing the city's unwavering support and reaffirming NYC's sanctuary laws and policies. - Assures undocumented immigrants that New Yorkers care deeply …

0:21:37

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3 min

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Overview of MOIA's mission, budget, and expanded services

Commissioner Castro provides an update on MOIA's overall operations, highlighting its budget, staffing, and expanded services to support immigrant communities. - MOIA's budget for FY2025 is approximately $26,700,000 with 64 …

0:25:05

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96 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Expansion of legal services for immigrant communities

Commissioner Castro details MOIA's extensive legal services programs and initiatives designed to support immigrant communities in New York City. - Highlights include Immigration Legal Support Centers, Legal Support Hotline, and …

0:26:42

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136 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Advancements in language access initiatives

Commissioner Castro outlines MOIA's significant progress in improving language access across city agencies and services. - Establishment of the Language Access Hub to provide in-house expertise - Translation services provided …

0:28:59

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73 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

English language learning programs and curriculum development

Commissioner Castro highlights MOIA's initiatives to expand English language learning opportunities for immigrant communities in New York City. - Launch of MOIA English Learning and Support Centers in nearly 100 …

0:30:12

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54 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Community engagement and outreach initiatives

Commissioner Castro outlines MOIA's extensive community engagement efforts to connect immigrant New Yorkers with resources and information. - Expansion to 15 navigation sites, with almost 30,000 touchpoints in FY2025 so …

0:31:07

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63 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Appreciation for public servants and closing remarks

Commissioner Castro concludes his testimony by expressing gratitude for public servants and their dedication to supporting immigrant communities. - Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging public servants, especially during challenging times …

0:32:12

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55 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction and overview of OASO's role in NYC's asylum seeker response

Molly Schaefer, Director of NYC Mayor's Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO), introduces herself and her role in overseeing the city's response to the asylum seeker crisis. She expresses gratitude …

0:33:24

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25 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Overview of NYC's response to the unprecedented asylum seeker crisis

Schaefer provides an overview of New York City's response to the unprecedented migrant sheltering crisis since April 2022. The city has led the country in providing critical support to asylum …

0:33:50

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36 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Financial impact and budget allocation for NYC's asylum seeker response

Schaefer details the substantial financial commitment New York City has made in response to the asylum seeker crisis, highlighting both past expenditures and future projections. - Through January 2024, NYC …

0:34:27

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47 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Scope and achievements of OASO's operations in managing the asylum seeker crisis

Schaefer outlines the extensive scope of OASO's operations and highlights key achievements in managing the asylum seeker crisis. The office has implemented various initiatives to support asylum seekers and facilitate …

0:35:15

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104 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

OASO's organizational structure, budget, and role in coordinating the asylum seeker response

Schaefer provides insight into OASO's organizational structure, budget, and its crucial role in coordinating the city's response to the asylum seeker crisis. She emphasizes the office's lean yet effective approach …

0:37:00

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46 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Results and financial impact of OASO's efforts in managing the asylum seeker crisis

Schaefer highlights the significant results and financial impact of OASO's efforts in managing the asylum seeker crisis. The office's work has led to a stabilization of the situation and substantial …

0:37:47

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38 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Closing remarks and future outlook for OASO's work in addressing the asylum seeker crisis

Schaefer concludes her testimony by reaffirming OASO's commitment to addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis with compassion and accountability. She emphasizes the fluidity of their work and the need for creative …

0:38:25

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46 sec

Q&A

Chair questions OASO Director's claim about families not sleeping on NYC streets

Chair Alexa Avilés confronts OASO Director Molly Schaefer about her claim that no families have slept on the streets of New York City during her tenure. The exchange becomes heated …

0:39:16

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59 sec

Q&A

Chair presses MOIA on delayed responses to Council inquiries

Chair Alexa Avilés confronts MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro about the agency's consistent lack of response to Council questions, emphasizing the importance of timely information for budget deliberations. Castro apologizes for …

0:40:24

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4 min

Q&A

MOIA officials detail budget allocations and current staffing vacancies

Chair Alexa Avilés questions MOIA officials about the agency's budget allocation and staffing vacancies. Deputy Commissioner Jasniya Sanchez provides details on MOIA's budget structure and current vacancies across different city …

0:44:33

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5 min

Q&A

Debate over NYIFUP funding and legal services for immigrants facing deportation

Chair Alexa Avilés questions MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro about the sufficiency of funding for the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) and legal services for immigrants facing deportation. Castro …

0:49:55

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5 min

Q&A

MOIA outlines efforts to support immigrants facing deportation amid resource constraints

Chair Alexa Avilés presses MOIA officials on their efforts to protect New Yorkers facing deportation. Commissioner Manuel Castro and Deputy Commissioner Lorena Lucero describe MOIA's current initiatives and resource allocation …

0:55:45

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6 min

Q&A

MOIA affirms no changes to NYC sanctuary laws amid conflicting statements

Chair Alexa Avilés questions MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro about potential changes to NYC's sanctuary laws. Castro firmly states that MOIA has not proposed any changes and emphasizes that current sanctuary …

1:02:37

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83 sec

Q&A

MOIA details ongoing efforts to train city agencies on sanctuary policies and ICE interactions

MOIA officials describe their efforts to train city agencies on sanctuary policies and interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Deputy Commissioner Lorena Lucero outlines the various training initiatives undertaken …

1:04:00

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5 min

Q&A

MOIA declines to comment on proposal to allow ICE presence at Rikers Island

Chair Alexa Avilés questions MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro about the administration's proposal to allow ICE presence on Rikers Island. Castro declines to take a position or comment on the proposal. …

1:09:54

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61 sec

Q&A

Council member questions OASO director on shelter eviction policy for immigrant families

Council Member Shahana Hanif questions OASO Director Molly Schaefer about the implementation and potential expansion of the policy change regarding shelter evictions for newly arrived families with children. Schaefer confirms …

1:10:56

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159 sec

REMARKS

Council member criticizes administration's messaging on immigration

Council Member Shahana Hanif criticizes the administration's mixed and contradictory messaging on immigration, expressing concern about its impact on immigrant communities. - Hanif notes that the mayor's messaging has been …

1:13:36

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35 sec

Q&A

Council member questions MOIA commissioner on restrictions to criticize Trump administration

Council Member Shahana Hanif questions MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro about potential restrictions on criticizing President Trump or his policies. Castro's responses indicate adherence to communication protocols without directly answering the …

1:14:12

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74 sec

Q&A

Council member presses MOIA commissioner on opposition to Trump administration policies

Council Member Shahana Hanif repeatedly questions MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro about the administration's stance on Trump-era immigration policies. Castro avoids direct answers, citing communication protocols and the need to avoid …

1:15:26

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137 sec

Q&A

Discussion on impact of federal budget cuts on immigrant services

Council Member Shahana Hanif inquires about the potential impact of federal budget cuts on immigrant services in New York City. Commissioner Manuel Castro's response is limited, but he reiterates his …

1:17:44

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104 sec

Q&A

Inquiry into compliance with sanctuary city laws by city agencies

Council Member Shahana Hanif questions MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro about city agencies' compliance with sanctuary city laws since President Trump's inauguration. Castro's responses are vague and do not directly confirm …

1:19:30

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42 sec

REMARKS

Council Member De La Rosa expresses concerns about MOIA's performance

Council Member Carmen De La Rosa expresses her disappointment with the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs' (MOIA) current performance, highlighting the need for stronger support for immigrant communities. She criticizes …

1:20:28

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68 sec

Q&A

Inquiry about MOIA's role in reimbursing CBOs for asylum seeker services

Council Member Carmen De La Rosa inquires about MOIA's role in the plan to reimburse community-based organizations (CBOs) that are supplementing services for asylum seekers. Commissioner Manuel Castro responds that …

1:21:37

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22 sec

Q&A

Discussion on MOIA's expansion of CBO navigation centers

Council Member Carmen De La Rosa inquires about MOIA's expansion of community-based organization (CBO) navigation centers and the support provided to these organizations. Commissioner Manuel Castro and Deputy Commissioner Lorena …

1:21:59

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160 sec

Q&A

Q&A on job banks and employment connections for asylum seekers

Council Member Carmen De La Rosa inquires about MOIA's interaction with New York State job banks for connecting clients to potential employment. OASO Director Molly Schaefer explains the coordination between …

1:24:40

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78 sec

Q&A

Inquiry on funding and language access for asylum seeker employment efforts

Council Member Carmen De La Rosa asks about funding attached to employment efforts for asylum seekers and confirms the availability of language access services. OASO Director Molly Schaefer provides brief …

1:25:59

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35 sec

Q&A

MOIA's guidance for NYC schools on ICE and sanctuary laws

Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about MOIA's guidance and support for New York City public schools regarding ICE agents and sanctuary laws. Commissioner Manuel Castro and Deputy Commissioner Lorena Lucero …

1:26:43

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165 sec

Q&A

Language access in NYC schools and immigrant services

Council Member Rita Joseph raises concerns about language access in schools and immigrant services, particularly in light of potential changes to language policies. Deputy Commissioner Lorena Lucero explains MOIA's approach …

1:29:29

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38 sec

Q&A

NYC's response to TPS reduction for Haitian nationals

Council Member Rita Joseph raises concerns about the reduction of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) duration from 18 to 12 months for Haitian nationals. Commissioner Manuel Castro discusses the city's response …

1:30:07

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135 sec

Q&A

Legal support for immigrants losing TPS or work permits

Director Molly Schaefer and Commissioner Manuel Castro discuss the city's efforts to provide legal support for immigrants losing TPS or work permits. They explain the steps being taken to assist …

1:32:23

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134 sec

Q&A

Funding allocation for the Haitian Response Initiative

Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about additional funding for the Haitian Response Initiative and how the funds are allocated. MOIA officials provide details on the current funding and its distribution. …

1:34:38

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125 sec

Q&A

Request for baselining Haitian Response Initiative funding

Chair Alexa Avilés inquires about baselining the funding for the Haitian Response Initiative in the preliminary budget. MOIA officials respond to the request for permanent funding. - The Haitian Response …

1:36:44

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69 sec

Q&A

Guidance for agencies on ICE entering city buildings

Chair Alexa Avilés inquires about the guidance given to agencies if ICE attempts to enter city buildings. MOIA officials respond to the request for information on protocols. - Deputy Commissioner …

1:37:53

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53 sec

Q&A

MOIA's monitoring of ICE detentions at city shelters

Chair Alexa Avilés inquires about ICE detaining people at city shelters and MOIA's response to these incidents. Director Molly Schaefer discusses the agency's monitoring efforts. - MOIA has been monitoring …

1:38:47

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177 sec

Q&A

MOIA's response to noncitizens detained at ICE check-ins

Chair Alexa Avilés inquires about MOIA's response to noncitizens being detained at ICE check-ins. Commissioner Manuel Castro and Deputy Commissioner Jasniya Sanchez discuss the agency's efforts to support affected individuals …

1:41:45

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3 min

Q&A

MOIA's rapid response outreach and hotline operations

Chair Alexa Avilés inquires about MOIA's model for rapid response outreach and the operations of their hotline. MOIA officials provide details on the hotline's hours and discuss potential limitations. - …

1:45:00

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105 sec

Q&A

Availability of ICE interaction protocol flowchart

Chair Alexa Avilés inquires about the availability and public posting of a flowchart detailing ICE interaction protocols. Commissioner Manuel Castro discusses the dissemination of this information. - A flowchart for …

1:46:47

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75 sec

Q&A

MOIA's rapid response outreach capabilities

Chair Alexa Avilés requests a description of MOIA's rapid response outreach capabilities. Commissioner Manuel Castro provides an overview of the agency's approach to rapid response situations. - MOIA has been …

1:48:03

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88 sec

Q&A

Council Member Brewer questions OASO on asylum seeker services and ICE raids

Council Member Gale Brewer engages in a discussion with Molly Schaefer from the Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO) about the current state of asylum seekers in New York City. …

1:49:33

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4 min

Q&A

Council Member Hanif questions MOIA on ICE enforcement and sanctuary laws

Council Member Shahana Hanif questions MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro and Deputy Commissioner Lorena Lucero about ICE enforcement actions, NYPD involvement, and potential changes to sanctuary laws in New York City. …

1:54:33

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159 sec

Q&A

Discussion on increased funding for Immigration Legal Support Centers

Council Member Avilés inquires about the $4.4 million increase in funding for Immigration Legal Support Centers (formerly ACTION NYC) in the fiscal 2026 budget. Commissioner Castro and Deputy Commissioner Sanchez …

1:57:14

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95 sec

Q&A

Explanation of changes in MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers model

Commissioner Castro explains the changes in the new model for MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers, which will replace ACTION NYC. The new model aims to improve services by funding up …

1:58:59

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94 sec

Q&A

Addressing concerns about the new legal support center model

Council Member Avilés raises concerns about the new legal support center model, including the elimination of crucial access points, potential watering down of the program, and deprioritization of full representation. …

2:00:34

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3 min

Q&A

Rapid Response Legal Collaborative funding and program statistics

Council Member Avilés inquires about the funding and sufficiency of the Rapid Response Legal Collaborative program. Commissioner Castro acknowledges the significant needs in supporting immigrant communities at heightened risk, while …

2:04:23

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108 sec

Q&A

Identifying and prioritizing support for vulnerable immigrant populations

Commissioner Castro discusses specific immigrant populations facing more challenges and how MOIA is prioritizing support for them. He highlights the large number of undocumented New Yorkers and those in temporary …

2:06:13

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64 sec

Q&A

MOIA's actions and plans to support at-risk immigrant populations

Council Member Avilés presses for specific actions and timelines to address the current situation for at-risk immigrant populations. Commissioner Castro explains that MOIA is in ongoing conversations with OMB and …

2:07:19

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89 sec

Q&A

MOIA's approach to requesting additional funding for legal services

Council Member Avilés questions MOIA's approach to requesting additional funding for legal services, specifically for the Rapid Response Legal Collaborative. Commissioner Castro explains the ongoing nature of budget discussions with …

2:08:48

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86 sec

Q&A

Questioning the potential presence of ICE at Rikers Island

Council Member Lincoln Restler questions Commissioner Manuel Castro about the mayor's announcement regarding ICE's presence at Rikers Island. The discussion focuses on the compatibility of this decision with New York …

2:11:25

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3 min

Q&A

Concerns over mayor's communication on immigrant safety in city services

Council Member Restler expresses concern about the mayor's unclear communication regarding immigrant safety in accessing city services such as schools, hospitals, and police assistance. Commissioner Castro responds by affirming the …

2:14:26

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176 sec

Q&A

Discussion on citizenship eligibility and legal services for immigrants

Council Member Restler inquires about the number of immigrants eligible for citizenship and the city's capacity to provide legal services for citizenship applications. Commissioner Castro provides estimates and Restler highlights …

2:17:22

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93 sec

Q&A

Council Member Brewer inquires about funding for immigrant services and suggests YouTube for English learning

Council Member Gale Brewer inquires about funding needs for legal services, English language classes, and healthcare support for immigrants in New York City. MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro and Deputy Commissioner …

2:18:56

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3 min

Q&A

Council member questions WeSpeak program funding reduction

Council Member Avilés inquires about a $1,100,000 reduction in funding for the WeSpeak program in the preliminary budget plan. MOIA officials respond that the budget is not final and they …

2:22:44

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51 sec

Q&A

Council member challenges MOIA's ability to address critical policy issues

Council Member Avilés expresses frustration with MOIA's apparent inability to provide information or take positions on critical policy issues affecting immigrant New Yorkers. MOIA Commissioner Castro explains their approach to …

2:23:36

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128 sec

Q&A

Council member inquires about OASO budget and staffing levels

Council Member Avilés questions the Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO) Director Schaefer about the agency's budget for FY2025 and lack of funding in FY2026. Schaefer explains the current budget …

2:25:51

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149 sec

Q&A

Discussion on closure of shelters housing new arrivals

Council Member Avilés inquires about the number of shelters housing new arrivals that have closed or will close in fiscal year 2025. OASO Director Schaefer provides information on shelter closures …

2:28:21

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6 min

Q&A

Examination of cost savings in asylum seeker response

Council Member Avilés questions OASO Director Schaefer about the reported cost savings in the asylum seeker response. Schaefer provides information on the preliminary budget plan and shelter closures. - Preliminary …

2:34:41

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144 sec

Q&A

Process for reallocating immigrant families during shelter closures

OASO Director Schaefer explains the process for reallocating immigrant families when shelters close. The approach varies depending on the shelter and where people are moving. - For immigrant families with …

2:37:04

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120 sec

Q&A

Centralization of mail operations for asylum seekers

Council Member Avilés inquires about the centralization of mail operations for asylum seekers. OASO Director Schaefer provides details on the new system managed by the Housing Recovery Office (HRO). - …

2:39:05

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4 min

Q&A

Current investment in immigration legal services

Council Member Avilés asks MOIA and OASO officials about the current total investment in immigration legal services. Officials provide information on funding allocations for various programs. - MOIA spends about …

2:43:32

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4 min

Q&A

MOIA immigration legal support hotline funding and operations discussion

Council Member Avilés questions MOIA officials about the immigration legal support hotline's funding reduction and its potential impact on operations. The discussion covers staffing, hours of operation, call volume, and …

2:48:21

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10 min

Q&A

Progress on surveys for newly arrived migrants and asylum seekers

Council Member Carlina Rivera inquires about the progress of two surveys she initiated through Local Laws 73 and 74, focusing on workforce development and health needs of newly arrived migrants …

2:59:09

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173 sec

Q&A

Resources for cultural institutions to protect staff and audiences from ICE threats

Council Member Rivera raises concerns about threats to cultural institutions from federal government actions and ICE, potentially affecting immigrant artists and audience attendance. MOIA officials respond with information on their …

3:02:02

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161 sec

Q&A

Future plans for St. Bridget's reticketing center

Council Member Rivera inquires about the future of the reticketing center at St. Bridget's, given its critical role in the city's response to asylum seekers. Director Molly Schaefer provides a …

3:04:44

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93 sec

Q&A

Funding uncertainty for Asylum Seeker Legal Assistance Network

Council Member Avilés questions MOIA officials about the zeroing out of funding for the Asylum Seeker Legal Assistance Network in the preliminary budget plan. MOIA representatives explain that they are …

3:06:20

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82 sec

Q&A

Repurposing of WeSpeak funding for immigrant rights workshops

Council Member Avilés inquires about the repurposing of $630,000 from WeSpeak to immigrant rights workshops. MOIA officials explain that this was done to meet the demand for Know Your Rights …

3:07:43

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3 min

Q&A

Distinguishing Immigrant Rights Workshops from Immigrant Rights Collaborative

Council Member Avilés seeks clarification on the differences between the Immigrant Rights Workshop and the Immigrant Rights Collaborative. MOIA officials explain the distinctions in terms of goals, services, providers, and …

3:11:00

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8 min

Q&A

Targets and implementation of Know Your Rights workshops

Council Member Avilés inquires about predetermined benchmarks for Know Your Rights workshops in schools and other community settings. MOIA officials discuss their goals and implementation strategies. - The Immigrant Rights …

3:19:51

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3 min

Q&A

Delay in submission of MOIA's annual report

Council Member Avilés questions MOIA officials about the delay in submitting their annual report, which is due on March 15th but may not be submitted until the end of the …

3:22:54

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173 sec

REMARKS

Concerns over MOIA's budget reduction and closing remarks

Council Member Avilés addresses the overall budget reduction for MOIA's program areas in the FY2026 preliminary budget and provides closing remarks for the main part of the hearing. - The …

3:25:49

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4 min

Q&A

Consideration of restructuring MOIA as a full city agency

Council Member Avilés raises the question of whether MOIA would be more effective as a full city agency rather than a mayoral office, given its current limitations and the importance …

3:29:54

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3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Karla Ostolaza, Managing Director of Immigration Practice at The Bronx Defenders

Karla Ostolaza from The Bronx Defenders testifies about the need for increased funding for the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) to combat the rise in immigrant detentions and …

3:48:54

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141 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Catherine Gonzalez, Supervising Attorney and Policy Counsel at Brooklyn Defender Services

Catherine Gonzalez from Brooklyn Defender Services testifies about the importance of the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) in providing legal representation for immigrants facing deportation. She emphasizes the …

3:51:19

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132 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Deborah Lee, Attorney in Charge of the Immigration Law Unit at Legal Aid Society

Deborah Lee from the Legal Aid Society testified about the urgent need to protect noncitizens in New York City amid increased ICE enforcement and proposed changes to sanctuary city policies. …

3:53:35

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129 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sophie Dalsimer, Co-Director of Health Justice Program at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI)

Sophie Dalsimer, Co-Director of the Health Justice Program at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI), testifies about the importance of the Immigrant Health Initiative and requests increased funding …

3:55:49

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133 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Meetu Dhar, Managing Attorney of City Council Program at CUNY Citizenship Now

Meetu Dhar, representing CUNY Citizenship Now, advocates for increased funding for immigrant legal services in New York City. She highlights the organization's impact, serving over 74,000 immigrants since 2010, and …

3:58:06

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168 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sophia Gurulé, Trustee and Constitutional Officer of Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (UAW Local 2325)

Sophia Gurulé, representing UAW Local 2325, testified about the challenges faced by legal services workers in New York City, emphasizing the need for better funding and working conditions. She highlighted …

4:00:57

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3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sophia Gurulé, Trustee and Constitutional Officer of Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (UAW Local 2325)

Sophia Gurulé, representing the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (UAW Local 2325), testifies about the need for increased funding for legal services workers, particularly for the New York Immigrant Family …

4:04:21

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57 sec

Q&A

Discussion on strengthening the NYIFUP program

Alexa Avilés asks the panel for recommendations to strengthen the NYIFUP program beyond increased funding. Panelists discuss various operational suggestions. - Deborah Lee emphasizes the need to keep ICE out …

4:05:21

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172 sec

Q&A

Discussion on managing demand and capacity for legal services

Alexa Avilés inquires about waiting lists and capacity management for legal service providers. Panelists explain their intake systems and challenges. - Karla Ostolaza describes their dual intake system for court-based …

4:08:13

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4 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Natalia Aristizabal, Deputy Director of Make the Road New York

Natalia Aristizabal, Deputy Director of Make the Road New York, testifies on behalf of the organization's 28,000 members, highlighting their critical work in supporting immigrant communities and requesting increased funding …

4:15:11

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161 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Airenakhue B. Omoragbon, New York Policy Manager at African Communities Together, on Language Access Funding

Airenakhue B. Omoragbon, representing African Communities Together, testified at the NYC Council Committee on Immigration budget hearing to advocate for the renewal of $3,800,000 in funding for the Interpreter Bank …

4:17:57

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3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Aracelis Lucero, Managing Director of Masa

Aracelis Lucero, Managing Director of Masa, testified about the needs of indigenous language-speaking immigrants in New York City, emphasizing the importance of language justice and interpretation services. She presented survey …

4:21:17

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5 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Navi Bains, Associate Director of Advocacy and Policy at Asian American Federation

Navi Bains from the Asian American Federation testified on the FY26 budget, focusing on language access needs for Asian Americans in NYC. She highlighted the high rates of limited English …

4:26:50

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3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Naima Dahir, Budget Advocacy Manager of Arab American Family Support Center

Naima Dahir, representing the Arab American Family Support Center, urgently requests support for community-based organizations serving vulnerable New Yorkers. She highlights the devastating impacts of recent federal policies on immigrant …

4:30:09

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137 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Vladimir Tlali, Senior Policy Strategist at New York Immigration Coalition

Vladimir Tlali, representing the New York Immigration Coalition, testifies against Mayor Eric Adams' proposed budget cuts and collaboration with the Trump administration. He urges the City Council to restore and …

4:32:39

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171 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Avilés thanks panel and expresses concerns about current situation

Council Member Alexa Avilés expresses gratitude to the panel for their work, advocacy, and energy in contrast to the agencies' 'flatline advocacy'. She emphasizes the importance of protecting New Yorkers …

4:35:33

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102 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Eduardo Garcia, Representative from Workers Justice Project (WJP)

Eduardo Garcia from the Workers Justice Project testified about their organization's efforts to support immigrant workers in NYC, particularly in construction, domestic cleaning, and app delivery sectors. He highlighted their …

4:38:25

·

156 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Joel Sanchez, Day Laborer and Construction Worker, from Workers Justice Project (WJP)

Joel Sanchez, a Mexican immigrant and construction worker, testifies about the challenges faced by migrant workers in New York City, including labor exploitation, wage theft, and fear of deportation. He …

4:45:04

·

144 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by William Medina, Lead Delivery Worker and Organizer from Workers Justice Project

William Medina, a lead delivery worker and organizer from the Workers Justice Project, testifies about the challenges and fears faced by delivery workers in New York City. He highlights the …

4:47:36

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169 sec

REMARKS

Council member Avilés thanks panel and emphasizes importance of immigrant testimony

Council Member Alexa Avilés expresses gratitude to the panel for their contributions to New York City and emphasizes the importance of ground-level testimony in protecting immigrant rights. She acknowledges the …

4:50:27

·

87 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ira Yankwitt, Executive Director of Literacy Assistance Center, on Adult Literacy Funding

Ira Yankwitt, Executive Director of the Literacy Assistance Center, testified about the critical need for increased funding for adult literacy programs in New York City. He highlighted the massive gap …

4:52:38

·

140 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Mariam Samawi, Student at Adult Learning Center, City Tech CUNY

Mariam Samawi, a student at the Adult Learning Center at City Tech CUNY, shares her experience as an immigrant who has greatly benefited from adult learning programs in New York …

4:55:09

·

149 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Uliana Danilova, Former ESL Student at Adult Learning Center, City Tech CUNY

Uliana Danilova, a former ESL student at City Tech CUNY's Adult Learning Center, shared her experience of learning English and becoming part of the community in New York City. She …

4:57:43

·

100 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Herman Perez, Former Student of ESL Program at City Tech CUNY

Herman Perez, a former ESL student at City Tech CUNY, testifies about the importance of adult learning centers and ESL programs in New York City. He expresses gratitude for the …

4:59:30

·

109 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Lois Torres, Immigration Navigator at Center for Family Life of Sunset Park

Lois Torres, an Immigration Navigator at the Center for Family Life (CFL) in Sunset Park, testified about the importance of maintaining and increasing funding for immigration legal services in New …

5:01:26

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146 sec

Q&A

Council member inquires about Center for Family Life's immigrant services

Council member Alexa Avilés questions Lois Torres from the Center for Family Life (CFL) about their immigrant services. Torres explains the process of screening and assisting clients with various immigration …

5:03:59

·

93 sec

REMARKS

Council member expresses frustration over lack of urgency in addressing immigrant needs

Council member Alexa Avilés expresses frustration about the disconnect between the urgent needs of immigrant communities and the lack of reflection of this urgency in ongoing conversations and resource allocation. …

5:05:35

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39 sec

REMARKS

Council member thanks panel and emphasizes importance of investing in people

Council member Alexa Avilés expresses gratitude to the panel and emphasizes the importance of investing in people to improve New York City. - Avilés refers to the panel as an …

5:06:15

·

51 sec

Q&A

Discussion on budget cuts to adult literacy programs

Council member Alexa Avilés engages in a discussion with Ira Yankwitt about significant budget cuts to adult literacy programs and their impact on services. - Yankwitt explains the reduction from …

5:07:08

·

145 sec

Q&A

Inquiry about changes in service delivery models post-COVID

Council member Alexa Avilés inquires about changes in service delivery models for adult literacy programs, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and current political context. - Yankwitt notes that …

5:09:34

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59 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Lewie Briggs, Senior Staff Attorney at TakeRoot Justice

Lewie Briggs, Senior Staff Attorney at TakeRoot Justice, testifies about concerns regarding Immigrant Opportunities Initiative (IOI) funding. He expresses gratitude for the City Council's advocacy and describes TakeRoot Justice's work …

5:11:25

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147 sec

Q&A

Council member seeks clarification on the immigrant collaborative

Council Member Alexa Avilés asks for clarification about the name of the collaborative mentioned by Lewie Briggs. Briggs confirms it's the Citywide Immigrant Legal Empowerment Collaborative (SILAC), funded under the …

5:13:52

·

21 sec

Q&A

Council member confirms concerns about IOI funding

Council Member Alexa Avilés seeks clarification on the three concerns raised by Lewie Briggs regarding IOI funding. She confirms two points and asks for the third one she missed. - …

5:14:12

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25 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sarah Nolan, Managing Director of New York Office, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) on Unaccompanied Children's Legal Services

Sarah Nolan from Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) testifies about the urgent need for increased funding for legal services for unaccompanied children in New York City. She highlights the …

5:14:41

·

156 sec

Q&A

Clarification on contract renewal for unaccompanied children's legal services

Council Member Alexa Avilés seeks clarification from Sarah Nolan of KIND about the timing of their contract renewal. Sarah confirms that the contract is up this month, highlighting the urgency …

5:17:18

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8 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Margaret Martin, Co-Director of the Immigrant and Refugee Services Division at Catholic Charities Community Services

Margaret Martin, Co-Director of the Immigrant and Refugee Services Division at Catholic Charities Community Services, testifies about the challenges faced by immigrant services providers and the need for increased, stable …

5:17:31

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Kelly Agnew-Barajas, Co-Director of Immigrant and Refugee Services Division at Catholic Charities Community Services

Kelly Agnew-Barajas from Catholic Charities Community Services testified on the need to reevaluate MOIA's structure in city government and emphasized the importance of safeguarding immigrant rights. She also mentioned funding …

5:21:17

·

153 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ernie Collette, Supervising Attorney of the Immigration Law Project at Mobilization for Justice

Ernie Collette, representing Mobilization for Justice, urges the New York City Council to increase funding for immigrant legal services, emphasizing the critical need for representation in both affirmative and defensive …

5:23:54

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171 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sierra Kraft, Executive Director of ICARE

Sierra Kraft, Executive Director of ICARE, testifies about the urgent need for increased funding to provide legal representation for unaccompanied immigrant children in New York City. She highlights the vulnerabilities …

5:26:49

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122 sec

Q&A

Council member inquires about immigrant services hotline efficiency

Council Member Alexa Avilés asks about the triaging element of the immigrant services hotline, focusing on how many calls can be resolved immediately versus those requiring more complex assistance. - …

5:28:55

·

82 sec

Q&A

Discussion on appointment systems and legal representation capacity

Council Member Avilés and Margaret Martin discuss the effectiveness of appointment systems for immigrant services and the challenges faced due to limited capacity. - Avilés questions whether removing the appointment …

5:30:18

·

51 sec

REMARKS

Council member stresses need for long-term planning and investment in immigrant services

Council Member Alexa Avilés emphasizes the need for long-term planning and increased investment in immigrant services to address the growing demand and complexity of cases. - Avilés expresses concern over …

5:31:10

·

139 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Walter Fendrich, Clinical Director of Libertas Center for Human Rights at Elmhurst Hospital

Walter Fendrich, Clinical Director of the Libertas Center for Human Rights at Elmhurst Hospital, testified about their program providing support to immigrant survivors of torture and human rights violations. He …

5:34:40

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Dmitri Glinsky, President & CEO of Russian-speaking Community Council (RCC)

Dmitri Glinsky, representing the Russian-speaking Community Council (RCC), testified about the challenges faced by Russian and Ukrainian immigrants in New York City, highlighting the lack of funding for their community-based …

5:37:57

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Paula Inhargue, Policy Analyst at United Neighborhood Houses

Paula Inhargue, a policy analyst at United Neighborhood Houses, testified about the importance of sustaining funding for adult literacy programs in New York City. She emphasized the crucial role of …

5:41:34

·

178 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Leidis De La Rosa, Organizing Coordinator at La Colmena

Leidis De La Rosa from La Colmena, an immigrant rights organization on Staten Island, testifies about the critical need for continued support from the city council for their work with …

5:44:36

·

112 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jorge Paz Reyes, Community Organizer at Mixteca

Jorge Paz Reyes, a community organizer at Mixteca, testified about the impact of proposed budget cuts on immigrant services and emphasized the importance of mental health services for immigrants. He …

5:46:34

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Paulina Cohen, Staff Attorney at New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP)

Paulina Cohen, a staff attorney at the New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP), testified about the critical support AVP provides to LGBTQ and HIV-affected immigrant communities. She emphasized the increased …

5:49:59

·

144 sec

REMARKS

Chair Avilés expresses gratitude to the previous panel

Chair Alexa Avilés of the Committee on Immigration expresses deep gratitude to the previous panel for their work and services provided to New Yorkers. She acknowledges the importance of their …

5:52:24

·

36 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Andres Moreno, Program Supervisor of Promise NYC at Chinese American Planning Council (CPC)

Andres Moreno from the Chinese American Planning Council testified about the importance of the Promise NYC program, which provides childcare assistance to immigrant families ineligible for federal aid. He shared …

5:54:35

·

113 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Anh-Thu Nguyen, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Democracy at Work Institute

Anh-Thu Nguyen testified on behalf of the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI), highlighting its achievements in supporting immigrant-led businesses and urging the City Council to increase funding for worker …

5:56:34

·

3 min

Q&A

Council member clarifies funding request details for worker cooperative initiative

Council member Alexa Avilés engages in a Q&A session with Anh-Thu Nguyen to clarify the funding request for the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI). They discuss the current and …

6:00:04

·

36 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez, Deputy Director of Street Vendor Project

Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez, Deputy Director of the Street Vendor Project, testified about the organization's work supporting street vendors in New York City and requested $500,000 in funding from the City Council …

6:00:48

·

170 sec

Q&A

Council member inquires about the issuance of criminal summonses to street vendors

Council Member Alexa Avilés questions Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez about the doubling of criminal summonses issued to street vendors. They discuss the discretionary nature of officers issuing these summonses. - The number …

6:03:38

·

28 sec

Q&A

Discussion on trends and locations of criminal summonses issued to street vendors

Council Member Alexa Avilés and Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez discuss the trends and locations where criminal summonses are being issued to street vendors across New York City. They also touch on the …

6:04:07

·

64 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Kayt Tiskus, Principal at Collective Public Affairs

Kayt Tiskus from Collective Public Affairs testified about the impact of federal immigration policies on various NYC initiatives and the crucial role of nonprofits in providing services to immigrant communities. …

6:05:14

·

154 sec

REMARKS

Council member emphasizes the importance of nonprofits in immigrant services

The council member agrees with the previous speaker about the crucial role of nonprofits in providing services to immigrant communities. She highlights the trust, cultural competence, and quick response capabilities …

6:07:49

·

49 sec

REMARKS

Council member expresses concern over fear of testifying

The council member addresses the previous speaker's comment about people being afraid to testify, expressing her sadness and concern over this situation. - Acknowledges the heartbreaking nature of people being …

6:08:38

·

25 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson on Protecting Delivery Workers and Supporting State Legislation

Christopher Leon Johnson testifies to the NYC Council Committee on Immigration, urging support for state legislation to protect delivery workers and requesting allocation of funds to nonprofit organizations for training …

6:09:03

·

157 sec

REMARKS

Council member Avilés responds to testimony about deliveristas

Council Member Alexa Avilés thanks Christopher Leon Johnson for his testimony and acknowledges the issues faced by deliveristas in New York City. She expresses appreciation for his advocacy for compassion …

6:11:41

·

18 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Teresa Baik, Director of Education at Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York

Teresa Baik, representing Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, testified about the importance of adult literacy programs and the need for increased funding. She highlighted the success of their …

6:13:05

·

140 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Clara Calvo, Worker and Co-owner at Cooperative Home Care

Clara Calvo, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, shares her experience as a worker and co-owner at Cooperative Home Care. She emphasizes the importance of worker cooperatives in providing opportunities …

6:16:29

·

5 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ruth Lopez Martinez, Cooperative Owner and Member of Nimnoc Council

Ruth Lopez Martinez, an immigrant and cooperative owner in New York City, testified about the importance of immigrant-run cooperatives to the city's economy and the current challenges faced by immigrant …

6:22:49

·

6 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Karla Rodriguez-Pimentel, KHCC Connect Program Coordinator at Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC)

Karla Rodriguez-Pimentel testifies on behalf of Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC), highlighting their multi-service support for immigrant families in the Bronx. She emphasizes KHCC's diverse programs, including English classes, case …

6:30:05

·

162 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Melat Seyoum, Director of Political Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at New York City Network of Worker Owned Cooperatives (NCNOC)

Melat Seyoum testified on behalf of the New York City Network of Worker Owned Cooperatives (NCNOC) and the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative, advocating for continued support and expansion of …

6:33:11

·

137 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Genesis Gonzalez, Assistant Director of the Cooperative Development Program at Center for Family Life in Sunset Park

Genesis Gonzalez from the Center for Family Life in Sunset Park testifies to request continued support for the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI) with an allocation of $5,100,000 for …

6:35:48

·

120 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jodi Ziesemer, Co-Director of the Immigrant Protection Unit at New York Legal Assistance Group

Jodi Ziesemer testified about three key programs: the Rapid Response Legal Collaborative, Key to the City program, and Immigrant and Health Initiatives. She emphasized the need for increased funding and …

6:38:00

·

157 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Tanesha Grant, Executive Director of Parent Supporting Parents New York and Moms United for Black Lives New York City

Tanesha Grant, representing organizations based in Harlem and Washington Heights, advocated for increased support and funding for immigrant communities, particularly black immigrants and migrants. She emphasized the need for language …

6:40:59

·

130 sec

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