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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Andres Moreno, Program Supervisor of Promise NYC at Chinese American Planning Council (CPC)
5:54:35
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113 sec
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 a story of an asylum seeker named Viviana and urged the city to invest $25 million in Promise NYC for the FY2026 budget.
- Highlighted the critical role of childcare in enabling immigrants to find jobs and leave the shelter system
- Emphasized the need for comprehensive support for immigrant communities, including legal services, language access, and resource navigation
- Called for New York City to uphold its values as a city built by immigrants by investing in these essential programs
Andres Moreno
5:54:35
Thank you to chair Aviles and members of the immigration committee for the opportunity to testify.
5:54:40
My name is Andres Moreno Manzia and I'm the program supervisor of Promise NYC at the Chinese American Planning Council, CPC, the nation's largest Asian American social service organization.
5:54:53
Although CPC predominantly serves the AAPI community, I wanna take the time to share the story of one of the community members assisted by Promise NYC which provides child care assistance to a majority Hispanic Latino immigrant population that are otherwise ineligible for federal assistance due to their immigration status.
5:55:10
Back in Colombia, Viviana was pregnant and running a family business.
5:55:14
While these may be considered markers of success, her family was struck by tragedy when her husband was murdered by members of organized crime.
5:55:21
Under the constant pressure of extortion and death threats, she made the difficult decision of leaving behind her loved ones in Colombia to seek asylum here in The United States.
5:55:30
Promise NYC helped Viviana with her childcare needs as she is now building a life for herself here with her three year old child.
5:55:38
She and countless other immigrants with similar stories fled to The US because they are seeking safety and they are not here for government handouts.
5:55:46
Without childcare, she cannot find a job and without a job, she cannot afford to leave the the shelter system.
5:55:52
If you've ever felt helpless or powerless, I urge you to place yourself in the shoes of immigrants like Viviana and so many others who live their lives unsure if they can afford their next meal or if they'll become homeless.
5:56:04
We need to live up to our values as a city that was built on the backs of immigrants.
5:56:08
We are urging the city to invest in critical programs and allocate $25,000,000 to Promise NYC in the fiscal year twenty six budget.
5:56:15
The city must invest deeply in resources for immigrant communities including legal services and wraparound support, language access, and resource navigation to uplift and protect our immigrant neighbors.
5:56:26
Thank you for your time and for your consideration.