The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro has announced over $400,000 of funding to be distributed to 18 immigrant-serving organizations to conduct a series of Immigrant Rights Workshops (IRWs). These workshops will bring awareness to immigrant New Yorkers on their rights and the city resources available to them, regardless of immigration status.
“New York City has always been a city of immigrants who have immeasurably shaped and contributed to our city throughout the years. Now more than ever providing comprehensive information to the many immigrants who call NYC home is critical,” said Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Immigrant Rights Workshops will empower and protect our immigrant community members by arming them with current information around important topics. I applaud MOIA and all of our CBO partners for continuing this crucial work.”
“This administration is committed to reshaping how immigrant New Yorkers interact with city and state forces for the better,” said Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “I look forward to seeing how each organization transforms workshops to cater to their communities.”
IRWs, formerly known as Know Your Rights workshops, will cover an array of topics, including how to navigate interactions with federal immigration enforcement, avoiding fraudulent legal services, accessing COVID-related services, and more. IRWs will also include appointments or referral for free and safe immigration legal and social services.
With funding from MOIA, each organization is expected to conduct IRWs over the course of 9 months. Awards for organizations were based on a funding line of $21,600, and organizations were welcomed to apply for up to two lines. In total, MOIA plans to disburse over $400,000 in funding for these workshops.
