NYIC Action Unveils Endorsements for Pro-Immigrant Candidates for New York City Council

New York, NY—Today, NYIC Action, the 501(c)4 sister organization of the New York Immigration Coalition, announced its endorsements for the New York City Council. All endorsed candidates have enthusiastically committed to championing NYIC Action’s policy platform, “2023: A Vision for New York City,” a plan that works to protect the rights of all New Yorkers and pushes legislation initiatives that will help immigrants not just survive but thrive in New York.

NYIC Action’s agenda is centered in five policy areas that are critical to immigrants in New York City. The issue areas include: ending state support for detention; deportation and mass incarceration; creating healthy communities; securing quality education; building political power and guaranteed civil rights; and ensuring economic justice and good jobs.

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, said:

“With the arrival of over 50,000 asylum seekers since last spring, New York City is at a critical moment in building on its rich history as a welcoming city for all immigrants. To meet the needs of this moment, it is more important than ever that we have champions in city government who are fighting for the rights and security of every single New Yorker, whether they arrived here 30 years or 30 days ago. In the last City Council elections in 2021, NYIC Action helped propel a range of pro-immigrant candidates into office. In 2023, we are pleased to endorse an exciting slate of candidates who over the last two years have shown their commitment to supporting our immigrant communities. When this slate is elected we will be in an even stronger position to pass legislation that centers the health, education, jobs and rights of our immigrant neighbors.”

NYIC Action's endorsed candidates are:

In Manhattan: 

• Christopher Marte - District 1

• Carlina Rivera - District 2

• Erik Bottcher - District 3

• Julie Menin - District 5

• Gale Brewer - District 6

• Shaun Abreu - District 7

• Diana Ayala - District 8

• Carmen De La Rosa - District 10 

In The Bronx: 

• Marjorie Velazquez - District 13

• Pierina Sanchez - District 14

• Althea Stevens - District 16

• Amanda Farias - District 18

In Brooklyn: 

• Jennifer Gutiérrez - District 34

• Crystal Hudson - District 35

• Chi Ossé - District 36

• Sandy Nurse - District 37

• Alexa Aviles - District 38

• Shahana Hanif - District 39

• Rita Joseph - District 40

• Justin Brannan - District 47

In Queens:

• Francisco Moya - District 21

• Tiffany Cabán - District 22

• Linda Lee - District 23

• Shekar Krishnan - District 25

• Nantasha Williams - District 27

• Adrienne Adams - District 28

• Lynn Schulman - District 29

"I'm proud to be endorsed by New York Immigration Coalition Action, as we work to ensure the City equally prioritizes support for immigrant communities that are critical to the strength of our neighborhoods. As New Yorkers, we must share in the benefits and struggles of our city. I will continue to provide leadership that centers the diversity of New York City, empowers immigrant communities, and delivers access to the resources that improve the lives of all New Yorkers who too often have not been a priority of the government. I look forward to continuing the work with advocates, communities, and everyday residents to secure equitable inclusion in advancement opportunities for immigrant New Yorkers." said NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (CD28). 

"I am honored to once again have NYIC Action's endorsement. NYIC Action has worked tirelessly to dismantle the oppressive systems that prevent hardworking individuals who come to our city from creating a better life for themselves and their families. I am proud to stand with NYIC Action and work towards creating a better home for our city's more than 3 million immigrants," said Councilmember Crystal Hudson (CD35).

"It doesn't matter if you've been a New Yorker since birth or since breakfast, you are home now. New York is a city of immigrants built by immigrants and powered by immigrants. That's who we are and who we will always be. I'm grateful for the endorsement of New York Immigration Coalition Action, a powerful advocate for the rights and dignity of all people. Together, we will work to ensure that every voice is heard and all people are treated with dignity, respect  and fairness,” said Councilmember Justin Brannan (CD47).

“As the daughter of two working-class Bangladeshi immigrants, I am overjoyed to have the NYIC Action in my corner once again. Having worked with the coalition to push our City toward a compassionate response to incoming asylum seekers, I am thrilled we will be working together on my reelection campaign. I have always sought to put the needs of our immigrant communities front and center in my political work, from my work in government and Immigration Committee Chair to our grassroots organizing across my district. With the help of the NYIC Action, I know this election we’ll turn out even more of our immigrant neighbors and send a strong message to City Hall that in New York City, immigrant rights are human rights,” said Councilmember Shahana Hanif (CD39).

“I am very grateful to be endorsed by New York Immigration Coalition Action! NYIC Action has been leading the charge to secure fundamental rights for immigrants across our state, many of whom work laborious jobs for low pay and little recognition. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with NYIC Action to improve conditions for immigrant workers by expanding street vendor licenses, fighting for rights for gig workers, and ending 24 hour workdays for home attendants,” said Councilmember Christopher Marte (CD1).

“As the daughter of an immigrant, I am thrilled to receive the endorsement of NYIC. I look forward to continuing my partnership with NYIC Action fighting for a more just and equitable City that supports its strong and diverse immigrant population,” said Councilmember Julie Menin (CD5).

“We are thrilled to be endorsed by New York Immigration Coalition Action. The battle to protect our immigrant families is personal for me. As a son of Dominican immigrants and first attorney in my family, I will work to finally secure the universal right to counsel for every single immigrant facing the threat of deportation in New York City.  I will also be a champion for immigrant workers and small business owners by making sure they have equal access to the resources they need to flourish,” said Councilmember Shaun Abreu (CD7).

"I am proud to stand in solidarity with New York Immigration Coalition Action and am grateful for their endorsement. With rising anti-immigrant sentiments in our country and the ongoing humanitarian crisis facing asylum seekers and other immigrants, we need the leadership of NYIC Action to advance policies that ensure the conditions necessary for a just future for immigrants. I commit to fighting for the NYIC Action agenda. As Chair of the Civil Service and Labor Committee, in particular, I commit to supporting immigrant workers' efforts to improve their working conditions and livelihood,” said Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa (CD10).

"I am proud to stand with NYIC Action in its fight to transfer resources from detention, deportation, and mass incarceration to public education, public health, and economic justice. It is an honor to have their endorsement of my campaign for true public safety and a city where working people are free from the domination of the billionaire class. To win that city, we must build immigrant power, and that's what NYIC Action is all about,” said Councilmember Tiffany Caban (CD22).

“I’ve been proud to stand with New York Immigration Coalition Action in every fight for immigrant New Yorkers, from winning cash relief for undocumented families during COVID, to expanding the right to vote to green card holders, to guaranteeing legal representation for our neighbors facing deportation. I’m humbled to have the support of these fierce immigrant justice advocates,” said Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (CD25).

“Thank you to NYIC Action for your endorsement of my re-election campaign. Your support not only validates the work I've done, but also inspires me to continue fighting for the issues that matter most to immigrant communities. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve,” said Councilmember Nantasha Williams (CD27). 

"NYIC Action is leading the charge to ensure that New York’s immigrant communities have true partners in government, and I am honored to have their support. As Chair of the Council’s Health Committee and a longtime health care advocate, I especially share their focus on addressing health care inequalities and inequities across the five boroughs. Every New Yorker should have access to quality, affordable health care — as well as housing, education, and other essential services — regardless of their immigration and economic status. I look forward to continuing my collaboration with NYIC Action to build a better city for everyone,” said Councilmember Lynn Schulman (CD29).

“I’m proud to have the support of NYC Action and am dedicated to the fight for greater stability and support to our newest neighbors in New York City. District 38 is home to a diverse range of immigrant communities who demand their fair share of resources from city government and should expect nothing less. If re-elected, I remain ready to center their voices and champion their causes in city hall,” said Councilmember Alexa Aviles (CD38).

"It is a great privilege to receive the endorsement of NYIC Action. As an immigrant myself, I deeply understand the challenges and obstacles that immigrant families encounter in our city. I am proud to work alongside NYIC Action to fight for solutions that address these challenges head-on. From securing quality education for our children to promoting economic justice in our communities, there is much work to be done to create a fair and just future for immigrants. I am committed to this critical work, and I thank NYIC Action for their partnership and support," said Councilmember Rita Joseph (CD40).

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Immigrant Advocates Congratulate Hakeem Jeffries

New York, NY—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Caucus voted to make Hakeem Jeffries the House Democratic Leader, where he will lead the minority party in Congress.

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, said:

“We congratulate U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on his new position as House Democratic Leader, and look forward to continuing to work with him to fight for the rights of immigrants in New York and across the country. He knows that when our immigrant neighbors wake up every day – whether it’s to go to work or take their children to school —their ability to build their lives and futures in New York ultimately depends on what action Congress will take to implement meaningful immigration reform. When people fleeing violence in their home countries are not offered an orderly process for claiming asylum, or are not given the opportunity to turn their deferred or temporary protected status into a permanent one, they are forced to live in the shadows with an uncertain future, perpetually planning their lives in increments. For too long, Washington has chosen partisan bickering over doing their jobs to govern, and refused to come together to build humane immigration systems. We know it doesn’t need to be this way, and that our elected officials can choose dignity over neglect. We trust Rep. Jeffries knows this too, and will bring his colleagues together to pass the laws that will create a pathway to citizenship and a humane immigration system in America.”

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Immigrant Voters and Allies Vote In NYIC Action Candidates, Setting Pro-Immigrant Agenda for New York

New York State—New Yorkers across the State turned out to vote on Tuesday, as NYIC Action’s slate of endorsed candidates secured major victories for the U.S. Congress and State Legislature. Immigrant voters have once again helped bring Democrats to our chambers of government, advancing the kind of leadership that will work to protect the rights of all New Yorkers.

All endorsed candidates committed to NYIC Action’s political agenda, 2022: A Blueprint for New York State, an inclusive policy plan to ensure that every New Yorker can thrive.

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, said:

“At a moment in history when it was absolutely crucial that New York prove itself as a welcoming state for all, immigrants, women, Black, brown and people of color showed up to the polls demanding their rights be protected – and their voices were heard. With better than expected results for progressive candidates across the country, a vast majority of our endorsed candidates won their races for the U.S. Congress and the New York State Legislature, giving leverage to an immigrant rights agenda that prioritizes the needs of everyone who calls New York home. New Yorkers also chose to step up and prioritize racial justice in government and investments in environmental protection, approving all four ballot proposals and confirming New York’s reputation as a beacon of hope and fairness for all regardless of gender, race, or legal status. We look forward to working with elected officials from across the State who will advance the foundational changes our communities need to thrive.”

NYIC Action-endorsed candidates that have won their elections include (with some State Senate and Assembly races still undecided):

For the U.S. Congress:

• Grace Meng, NY-6

• Nydia Velazquez, NY-7

• Hakeem Jeffries, NY-8

• Yvette Clarke, NY-9

• Jerry Nadler, NY-12

• Adriano Espaillat, NY-13

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, NY-14

• Jamaal Bowman, NY-16

For the NYS Senate:

• Michael Giannaris, SD 12

• Jessica Ramos, SD 13

• Julia Salazar, SD 18

• Roxanne Persaud, SD 19

• Jabari Brisport, SD 25

• Andrew Gounardes, SD 26

• Cordell Cleare, SD 30

• Luis Sepulveda, SD 32

• Gustavo Rivera, SD 33

• Nathalia Fernandez, SD 34

• Andrea Stewart-Cousins, SD 35

• Shelley Mayer, SD 37

• Michelle Hinchey, SD 41

• Neil Breslin, SD 46

• Brad Hoylman, SD 47

• Rachel May, SD 48

• Lea Webb, SD 52

• Samra Brouk, SD 55

• Kristen Gonzalez, SD 59

• Timothy Kennedy, SD 63

For the NYS Assembly:

• Charles Lavine - AD 13

• Taylor Darling - AD 18

• Michaelle Solages - AD 22

• Steven Raga - AD 30

• Khaleel Anderson - AD 31

• Vivian Cook - AD 32

• Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas - AD 34

• Zohran Mamdani - AD 36

• Juan Ardila - AD 37

• Catalina Cruz - AD 39

• Rodneyse Bichotte - AD 42

• Emily Gallagher - AD 50

• Marcela Mitaynes - AD 51

• Latrice Walker - AD 55

• Phara Souffrant Forrest - AD 57

• Monique Chandler-Waterman - AD 58

• Edward L. Gibbs - AD 68

• Al Taylor - AD 71

• Harvey Epstein - AD 74

• Tony Simone - AD 75

• Latoya Joyner - AD 77

• Carl Heastie - AD 83

• Kenny Burgos - AD 85

• Yudelka Tapia - AD 86

• Karines Reyes - AD 87

• Steven Otis - AD 91

• Sarahana Shrestha - AD 103

• Pamela Hunter - AD 128

• Crystal Peoples-Stokes - AD 141

Background

This election cycle, NYIC Action endorsed candidates for Congress and the New York State Senate. Each round of endorsements was made following a careful review of candidates who signed on to NYIC Action’s policy platform pledge, to create healthy communities; end state support for detention, deportation, and mass incarceration; create quality education for all; build immigrant power and guarantee civil rights; and ensure economic justice and good jobs.

Immigrant, Arab and Jewish Advocates Rally For Progressive NY-11 Candidate Brittany Ramos DeBarros

New York, NY–On Sunday, July 31 at 1:00PM, the New York Immigration Coalition Action, Yalla Brooklyn, the Muslim Democratic Club of NY, The Jewish Vote, Jewish Voices for Peace Action PAC, and New York Progressive Action Network will rally outside of An-Noor Center in Bay Ridge in support of Brittany Ramos DeBarros for NY-11. Ramos DeBarros is the progressive military veteran, Afro-Latina and Staten Islander running in the NY-11 Democratic Congressional primary against Max Rose. She is the first Puerto Rican and Latina candidate to ever run in the district (which was called NY-13 before 2012).

NY-11 was redrawn during NY’s redistricting process this year, and currently encompasses all of Staten Island, and much of South Brooklyn including Bay Ridge, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights, Gravesend, Sheepshead Bay and Bensonhurst. The Congressional district has been represented by Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis since 2020. NY-11 has seen highly competitive races in recent years, but only two Democrats have been elected since 1980.

When: Sunday, July 31 at 1:00PM

Where: An-Noor Center in Bay Ridge

7114 5th Ave Brooklyn NY 11209

Who:

• Brittany Ramos DeBarros

• Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes (Red Hook, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge)

• Murad Awawdeh, NYIC Action

• Yalla Brooklyn

• Muslim Democratic Club of NY

• The Jewish Vote

• Jewish Voices for Peace Action PAC

• New York Progressive Action Network

NYIC Action Endorses Candidates for New York State Legislature and United States Congress

New York Immigration Coalition’s Sister 501(c)4 Organization Throws Support Behind Challengers in Assembly Districts 31, 51 and 57 

New York, NY (May 26, 2020) – At a critical time when immigrant New Yorkers continue to wage battle on the frontlines of COVID-19, The New York Immigration Coalition’s sister 501 (c)4 organization, NYIC Action, today announced its final set of endorsements for the New York State Senate, the New York State Assembly, and New York’s Congressional Delegation.  Among the group are Jessica González-Rojas, challenger to 6-term Assemblyman Michael DenDekker in Jackson Heights, Queens;  Marcela Mitaynes, challenger to 13-term Assemblyman Felix Ortiz in Sunset Park, Brooklyn; and Phara Souffrant Forrest, challenger to 4-term Assemblyman Walter Mosley in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. 

Steven. Choi, Executive Director of NYIC Action said, “Immigrant New Yorkers make up more than a third of essential workers across the state–from healthcare professionals to farmworkers to cleaners–and yet, too many are struggling to feed and care for their families. NYIC Action is committed to electing leaders who actively seek fairness and justice for New York’s immigrants –and who are unafraid to fight to ensure opportunity for all during good times and in bad times, like now. New Yorkers of all backgrounds and immigration status deserve to have their voices heard–and we believe these are the candidates who will best represent our collective interests in Albany and Washington, D.C.”

This second round of endorsements from the NYIC also includes: 

Assembly members Charles Lavine (District 13), Harvey Epstein (District 71), Al Taylor (District 74), and Harry Bronson (District 138); as well as candidates Richard David (District 31), Brandon Patterson (District 64), Kenny Burgos (District 85) and Adam Bojak (District 149);

Senator Julia Salazar (District 18) and candidate Jeremy Cooney (District 56);

Congressional candidates Mondaire Jones in the Hudson Valley (NY-17) and Nathan McMurray in Western New York (NY-27).

The endorsements were made following the completion of a survey by candidates and their staffs. The surveys focused on five distinct policy areas: expanding our democracy, racial justice, health and welfare, education, and immigrant justice. It also asked candidates to outline their top 3 priorities for immigrants and asked how campaigns plan to reach out to immigrant voters. The first round of endorsements, announced in late April, can be found here.

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About NYIC Action

NYIC Action (nyicaction.org) was originally formed in 2010 as a sister organization to the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), a 501(c)(3) coalition with 200 member organizations across New York State.  In order to increase the political potency of the immigrant vote, Immigrant Action endorses candidates and elected officials who stand up for immigrant communities and against anti-immigrant opponents. Immigrant Action engages in targeted advocacy on specific immigrant-related issues such as legislative scorecards, pointed advocacy flyers highlighting individual elected officials’ stances, and intensive grassroots and direct lobbying of elected officials. 

Fighting for Immigrants on the Front Lines: New York ImmigrationCoalition Endorses Candidates for NYS Assembly and Senate

NYIC Supports Candidates Prioritizing Justice, Opportunity and Fairness for ALL New Yorkers

New York, NY (April 28, 2020) – The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) today announced its first set of endorsements for the New York State Senate, the New York State Assembly, and New York’s Congressional Delegation: 

For the Assembly, NYIC endorses Assemblymembers Michaelle Solages (District 22), Alicia Hyndman (District 29), Catalina Cruz (District 39), Ron Kim (District 40), Latrice Walker (District 55), Yuh-Line Niou (District 65), Carmen De La Rosa (District 72), Karines Reyes (District 87), and Steven Otis (District 91). 

For the Senate, NYIC endorses Senators James Sanders Jr. (District 10), Michael Gianaris (District 12), Jessica Ramos (District 13), Zellnor Myrie (District 20), Andrew Gounardes (District 22), Brad Hoylman (District 27), Robert Jackson (District 31), Shelley Mayer (District 37), and Neil Breslin (District 44). 

For Congress, NYIC endorses Congress Members Grace Meng (NY-6), Nydia Velasquez (NY-7), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Yvette Clarke (NY-9), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and candidate Jamaal Bowman (NY-16). 

Steve K. Choi, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition said, “The global pandemic has made one thing clear—the health and well-being of every New Yorker is closely tied to that of our neighbors, including the immigrants who are on the front lines of this pandemic and bearing the brunt of it. Now more than ever, we must ensure that our elected leaders are fighting for all of us, committed to fairness, justice, and opportunity for all regardless of immigration status. We are proud to endorse many of these leaders today and look forward to working with them in the next session to protect and provide relief — for immigrants and all New Yorkers.” 

The endorsements were made following the completion of a survey by candidates and their staff. The surveys focused on five distinct policy areas: expanding our democracy, racial justice, health and welfare, education, and immigrant justice. It also asked candidates to outline their top 3 priorities for immigrants and asked how campaigns plan to reach out to immigrant voters.