Immigration

Topic

√ NY Agencies

NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA)

This office is specifically dedicated to addressing the needs of immigrants in New York City. MOIA focuses on initiatives and policies that support immigrant communities, advocates for their rights, and facilitates access to city services.

New York City Commission on Human Rights (NYCCHR)

This commission works to prevent discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. They address issues that can affect immigrants, such as bias-based profiling and discrimination based on national origin.
Mayor’s Management Report

New York City Department of Social Services (DSS)

DSS provides various social services that can be critical for immigrants, including food assistance, emergency housing, and financial support. They ensure that these services are accessible to all residents, regardless of immigration status.

New York City Department of Education (DOE)

The DOE provides educational services to all children in the city, including immigrant children. They offer programs such as English as a Second Language (ESL) to support the educational needs of non-English speaking students. Mayor’s Management Report

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)

This department offers health services that are accessible to immigrants, including mental health support, which can be vital for those who have experienced trauma or are adjusting to a new environment. Mayor’s Management Report

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)

While not directly focused on immigration, NYCEDC’s initiatives can benefit immigrant entrepreneurs and business owners through programs aimed at economic development and job creation. Mayor’s Management Report

√ Reports

NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Annual Report

This report details the initiatives and impacts of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) in supporting immigrant communities in New York City. It includes information on the services provided to both new and long-time immigrant New Yorkers and the interagency work done to improve their well-being

Civil Immigration Detainers Report by NYPD

This annual report contains data on civil immigration detainers received from federal immigration authorities. It includes the number of individuals held pursuant to these detainers beyond the time when they would otherwise be released from NYPD’s custody and the number of individuals transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody pursuant to civil immigration detainers

Council Report on Coordinated Services for Migrants and New Yorkers

This report by the New York City Council scrutinizes the city’s services for migrants and proposes policy reforms to improve support services. It includes recommendations for expanding multilingual mental health services for students and removing barriers to retaining multilingual teachers, among other initiatives

"The Health of Immigrants in New York City"

This report, published by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, provides an epidemiological profile of immigrants in the city, including their health status, health care access, and health behaviors.

Facts, Not Fear: How Welcoming Immigrants Benefits New York City

A report from the Office of the New York City Comptroller, providing insights on the economic benefits of welcoming immigrants. It includes data and analysis on the role of immigrants in the city’s workforce, economy, and society.

ICE 2023 Year in Review

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s annual report for Fiscal Year 2023, detailing enforcement actions, removals, and operations related to immigration enforcement. This report includes statistics on arrests, removals, and various initiatives taken by ICE throughout the year

New York and Other U.S. Cities Struggle with High Costs of Migrant Arrivals

This report discusses the impact of the recent influx of migrants in New York City and other U.S. cities. It includes data on notices to appear in immigration court and provides insights into the challenges and costs associated with providing services to migrants.

Accounting for Asylum Seekers

This NYC Comptroller report provides an overview of city budgeting and contracting to provide services for new arrivals.

NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Annual Report

Civil Immigration Detainers Report by NYPD

Council Report on Coordinated Services for Migrants and New Yorkers

"The Health of Immigrants in New York City"

Facts, Not Fear: How Welcoming Immigrants Benefits New York City

ICE 2023 Year in Review

New York and Other U.S. Cities Struggle with High Costs of Migrant Arrivals

Accounting for Asylum Seekers

This NYC Comptroller report provides an overview of city budgeting and contracting to provide services for new arrivals.

√ Data sets

Research & Evaluations by MOIA

The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) offers a variety of research and analysis about New York City’s immigrant communities. This includes reports and fact sheets focusing on immigration enforcement, DACA, TPS, and the impact of key city initiatives such as IDNYC and We Speak NYC.

Our Immigrant Population Helps Power NYC Economy

This page provides data on the countries of origin of New York City immigrants and their contributions to the city’s economy.

Data from the Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS)

CMS provides estimates on the size and characteristics of the U.S. undocumented and naturalization-eligible populations at national, state, and sub-state levels. Users can conduct their own queries of these populations on the CMS website.

State Demographics Data by MigrationPolicy.org

This website offers up-to-date Census data on immigrants in the United States, including New York. It provides information on population size, location, country of birth, and more.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

As part of the Department of Homeland Security, USCIS oversees lawful immigration to the United States. They provide data on various immigration applications and petitions, including naturalization and green card statistics.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Removal Statistics

ICE is responsible for enforcing federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration. They publish reports on immigration enforcement and removal operations.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

CBP safeguards America’s borders thereby protecting the public from dangerous people and materials while enhancing the nation’s global economic competitiveness. They provide data on border apprehensions and border security activities.

Executive office for Immigration Review FOIA Library

In 2008, EOIR began receiving requests from a university-affiliated data clearinghouse for large, raw data files from the agency’s case file electronic database. The agency makes the records available for public inspection in an electronic format. That data is updated monthly. Also available: Automated Case Information

TRAC Immigration Tools

Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) is a data gathering, data research and data distribution organization at Syracuse University.

√ Data visualizations

NYC Planning Migration Visualization

This platform provides detailed charts showing the number of people who moved to or left New York City during various time periods, based on census survey data. It offers insights into net migration and the impact of migration on the city’s population growth. The data is adjusted to be historically comparable and can be downloaded for further analysis.

NYC’S LATINX IMMIGRANT POPULATION

This fact sheet describes key demographic and economic characteristics of Latinx immigrants in NYC. (Immigrants and foreign-born are used interchangeably throughout this fact sheet.)

The Pandemic’s Impact on NYC Migration PatternS

An analysis by the Office of the New York City Comptroller documents changes in migration to and from New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the United States Postal Service, the report shows significant shifts in migration patterns and provides insights into how the pandemic affected the city’s population dynamics

English Language Learner Demographics

This page contains demographic information about English language learners (ELLs) enrolled in NYC public schools.

Estimates of Undocumented and Eligible-to-Naturalize Populations by State

A project by the Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS) led to the development of these estimates on the size and characteristics of the undocumented population in the United States at the national, state, and sub-state levels.

Asian American Federation (AAF) Data

Gain insights into New York City’s 1.5 million Asian Americans through free access to demographic, economic, educational and other disaggregated data.

√ STATISTICS

New York State Taxes Paid by Undocumented Workers in 2021

BILLION, 2021, NYC Comptroller

Immigrant Percentage of NYC Workforce

NYC Comptroller

New York State Taxes Paid By Immigrants in 2021

Billion, 2021, NYC Comptroller

Economic Impact

In 2021, immigrant New Yorkers paid $61 billion in taxes and had $138 billion in spending power. Despite their ineligibility for many public benefits, undocumented immigrants contributed significantly to the economy, including $30.8 billion in total taxes nationally and $3 billion in New York State. Source: NYC Comptroller

Workforce Participation

Immigrants comprise 36% of New York City’s population and 43% of its workforce. They are more likely to be employed and create jobs by starting businesses compared to native-born Americans. In the U.S., immigrants make up about 18% of the workforce, a record high. Source: NYC Comptroller

Undocumented Trends

The undocumented population fell by 167,000 from 674,000 to 507,000 between 2008 and 2017, a 25 percent decline. Source: Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity

Asylum Seekers NYC

As of February 2022, $328 million of the $1 billion authorized in November 2021 has been committed to various city agencies for supporting asylum seekers. This includes emergency shelters, health services, technology, and innovation. Source: NYC Comptroller

New York State Taxes Paid by Undocumented Workers in 2021

BILLION, 2021, NYC Comptroller

Immigrant Percentage of NYC Workforce

NYC Comptroller

New York State Taxes Paid By Immigrants in 2021

Billion, 2021, NYC Comptroller

Economic Impact

Workforce Participation

Undocumented Trends

The undocumented population fell by 167,000 from 674,000 to 507,000 between 2008 and 2017, a 25 percent decline. Source: Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity

Asylum Seekers NYC

√ Census & American Community Survey

Number of immigrants

The ACS provides data on the number of immigrants living in New York City, as well as their country of origin and the year they immigrated to the United States.

Language spoken at home

The ACS collects data on the languages spoken at home by individuals living in New York City, including the number of people who speak a language other than English.

Educational attainment

The ACS provides data on the educational attainment of immigrants in New York City, including the percentage of immigrants with a high school diploma or higher, a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a graduate or professional degree.

Employment status and occupation

The ACS provides data on the employment status and occupation of immigrants in New York City, including the percentage of immigrants who are employed, unemployed, or not in the labor force, and the top industries and occupations where immigrants are employed.

Income and poverty

The ACS provides data on the median household income of immigrants in New York City, as well as the percentage of immigrants living below the poverty line.

Employment by educational attainment

The ACS provides data on the percentage of employed individuals in New York City who have different levels of educational attainment.

Housing

The ACS provides data on the housing characteristics of immigrants in New York City, including the percentage of immigrants who own or rent their homes, the median rent and home value for immigrant households, and the percentage of immigrant households that are overcrowded.

Number of immigrants

The ACS provides data on the number of immigrants living in New York City, as well as their country of origin and the year they immigrated to the United States.

Language spoken at home

The ACS collects data on the languages spoken at home by individuals living in New York City, including the number of people who speak a language other than English.

Educational attainment

Employment status and occupation

Income and poverty

The ACS provides data on the median household income of immigrants in New York City, as well as the percentage of immigrants living below the poverty line.

Employment by educational attainment

The ACS provides data on the percentage of employed individuals in New York City who have different levels of educational attainment.

Housing

√ Non-Profits

New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC)

NYIC is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York. They work on issues related to immigration, health, and education.

The Legal Aid Society

This organization provides legal assistance to low-income New Yorkers, including a wide range of services for immigrants such as deportation defense, asylum applications, and family reunification.

Catholic Charities of New York

They offer a variety of services to immigrants, including legal counseling, English language classes, and assistance with job placement.

Make the Road New York

Focused on empowering immigrant and working-class communities, they provide legal and support services, organize political advocacy, and offer educational programs.

International Rescue Committee (IRC) in New York

The IRC helps refugees and asylum-seekers rebuild their lives through resettlement services, job training, English language classes, and legal representation for asylum seekers.

African Services Committee

This organization specifically addresses the needs of African immigrants, offering legal services, health programs, and assistance with social services.

Asian American Federation

This organization advocates for better policies for Asian Americans and provides services that cater to the needs of Asian American immigrants in New York City.

Safe Passage Project

They provide free lawyers to refugee and immigrant children in New York who face deportation back to life-threatening situations.

√ Experts

Nancy Foner - CUNY

Nancy Foner is a distinguished Professor of Sociology at Hunter College and the Graduate Center, CUNY. Her recent work focuses on comparing immigration in the U.S. today and in the past; immigrants in the U.S. and Europe; and how immigration has been remaking American society.

Douglas S. Massey - Princeton University

Douglas S. Massey is a Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs, Princeton University. Massey’s research focuses on international migration, race and housing, discrimination, education, urban poverty, stratification, and Latin America, especially Mexico. He is the author, most recently, of Brokered Boundaries: Constructing Immigrant Identity in Anti-Immigrant Times, coauthored with Magaly Sanchez.

Hiroshi Motomura - UCLA Law

Hiroshi Motomura is a teacher and scholar of immigration and citizenship, with influence across a range of academic disciplines and in federal, state, and local policymaking. He has published many articles on immigration and citizenship. His most recent book is Immigration Outside the Law.

Mae M. Ngai - Columbia University

Mae M. Ngai is the Lung Family Professor of Asian American Studies and Professor of History at Columbia University. Ngai’s work primarily focuses on the history of immigration to the United States in the 20th century, particularly regarding Asian Americans.

Philip Kasinitz - CUNY

Philip Kasinitz is a Presidential Professor of Sociology at the Graduate Center, CUNY. He was the director of the program in International Migration Studies (IMS) from 2018-2019. He specializes in immigration, ethnicity, race relations, urban social life and the nature of contemporary cities.

Saskia Sassen - Columbia University

Saskia Sassen is the Robert S. Lynd Professor of Sociology at Columbia University. Sassen is known for her research on globalization and human migration. She introduced the concept of “global city” in urban sociology.

Richard Alba - CUNY

Richard Alba is a Distinguished Professor of Sociology at the Graduate Center, CUNY. Alba’s research interests include immigration, race, and ethnicity in America and Europe, focusing on the integration of immigrants and their children.

√ Journal Articles

"Ethnic and Racial Identities of Second-Generation Black Immigrants in New York City "

Book chapter, The New Immigrants and American Schools, Mary C. Waters. This article explores the types of racial and ethnic identities adopted by a sample of 83 adolescent second-generation West Indian and Haitian Americans in New York City.

"Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Older Chinese Immigrants in New York City"

This study aims to examine mental health service utilization among older Chinese immigrants. Understanding the factors associated with seeking mental health services for older Chinese immigrants could help health care providers to develop early screening programs and culturally sensitive interventions.

"Disaggregating Asian Race Reveals COVID-19 Disparities among Asian Americans at New York City’s Public Hospital System"

A retrospective analysis of 85,328 patients tested for COVID-19 at New York City’s public hospital system between March 1 and May 31, 2020, to describe characteristics and COVID-19 outcomes of Asian ethnic subgroups compared to Asians overall and other racial/ethnic groups.

"City Government Activists and the Rights of Undocumented Immigrants"

With the US federal government more aggressive in its efforts to find, detain, and deport undocumented immigrants, certain government officials in American cities have promoted urban citizenship for undocumented immigrants in their jurisdictions.

"Documentation status and psychological distress among New York City community college students."

This research study examined how psychological distress, self-esteem, and academic performance differ across at-risk, temporary, and stable immigration statuses and whether fear of one’s own deportation and that of family members is associated with psychological distress.

√ Key Issues

Legal Assistance and Immigration Policy

Navigating the complex U.S. immigration system is a significant challenge for many immigrants. Access to legal assistance for matters like visa applications, asylum claims, and defense against deportation is crucial. Changes in immigration policies at the federal level can have direct impacts on the immigrant population in NYC.

Integration and Cultural Assimilation

Immigrants often face challenges in integrating into the social and cultural fabric of the city. This includes learning English, understanding American social norms, and balancing the preservation of their own cultural identities.

Employment and Economic Contribution

Immigrants significantly contribute to the city’s economy, often taking up jobs in various sectors. However, they may face challenges such as employment discrimination, wage disparities, and underemployment.

Access to Education and Health Services

Ensuring access to quality education for immigrant children and healthcare services for immigrant families, regardless of their legal status, is a major concern. Language barriers and lack of knowledge about available services can be significant obstacles.

Impact of Federal Immigration Enforcement

The presence and actions of federal immigration enforcement agencies, such as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), have significant implications for immigrants in NYC, affecting their sense of security and willingness to engage with local authorities.

Undocumented Immigrants

The status and rights of undocumented immigrants, including access to public services and legal protections, remain a contentious and complex issue.

√ Social Media Accounts

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