Immigrant Rights & Integration

Our Mission

To advance the inclusion and integration of immigrants in Westchester County by protecting and expanding the rights of immigrants.  Immigrants are vital to our community, economy, and day-to-day functioning. This committee works to ensure that all community members are empowered to participate fully in our economy and community.

What We Are Working On

1. Unemployment Bridge Program (S3192 / A4821) which provides unemployment benefits to those currently ineligible because of immigration status
2. Statewide Right to Counsel (Joyner-A1493 / May S2721) which provides a right to legal representation to tenants facing eviction
3. Statewide Access to Representation (S999 / A170) which establishes a right to access representation during deportation proceedings and increases funding for legal representation
4. Ensure accurate education on contributions made by immigrant community members.
5. Fight misinformation, biases, and stereotypes related to new arrivals and all immigrant community members.
   
   

Accomplishments

• Played a leadership top in the passage of Drivers Licenses for all New Yorkers, winning the right to a driver's license regardless of immigration status.
  
  
• Joined state vast organizations in advocacy for Office for New Americans funding of $63 million dollars for immigration legal and essential services in the New York State budget, which will help thousands of low-income immigrant New Yorkers receive legal representation through the Liberty Defense Project and ONA Legal Counsels.
  
  
• Created strong partnership across several sectors of the non-profit community to advocate for immigrant rights through rallies, legislative visits, educational sessions, and calls to elected officials.  Supported the addition of Immigration as a topic in the 2022 WWA Status of Women Report for the first time.
  
  
• Established the first of a series of newsletters with legislative information on immigration advocacy opportunities to educate WWA members on current events of a very complex issue.
  

Meeting Time

Held virtually on Zoom, the group does not have a set meeting time.

Leadership Contact Info

Janet Rolon
Carola Otero Bracco
jrolon@crcny.org