Immigration

The U.S. immigration system is broken—and U.S.-born workers as well as aspiring citizens are paying a heavy price. America needs to create an immigration process that works for working people—not a system that benefits corporate employers at the expense of everyone else.

Current U.S. immigration policy is a blueprint for employer manipulation and abuse, and both new American immigrants and American-born workers are suffering the consequences.

We say, “¡Basta Ya!” or “Enough Already!” That’s why the AFL-CIO supports a comprehensive, worker-centered approach as part of a common-sense immigration process.

Important Immigration Updates

This notice extends TPS designations (and work permits) for El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Sudan, Honduras and Nepal through October 4, 2021

USCIS update clarifying that USCIS will once again begin processing new DACA applications and issuing 2-year deferred action grants


In response to the Ramos v. Nielsen decision of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to allow the termination of temporary protected status (TPS) for four countries: 

“NYC Labor stands in solidarity with TPS recipients, many of whom have been in the U.S. with legal immigration status for an average of fifteen years. TPS recipients are contributing members of our communities; critical members of our frontline workforce; parents of U.S. citizens; union members; business and property owners. This decision will actively harm working families, communities, and our economy at a time when it is already experiencing heightened uncertainty. We call on Congress to immediately move forward to pass legislation providing a path to citizenship for both TPS holders and DACA recipients.”


The NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, is proud of our continued partnership with CUNY SLU and CUNY Citizenship NOW! to offer free immigration legal services for union members and their families. The NYC Central Labor Council is currently hosting virtual immigration consultations. 

Please contact Xiomara Loarte at xloarte@nycclc.org or 917-225-2712 to make an appointment for FREE HELP with your immigration concerns as well as application assistance with:

  • Naturalization and Citizenship
  • TPS/DACA/Advance Parole
  • Replacing and Renewing Immigration Documents

More about this issue:

Oct 13, 2023 | News Story

Nearly 113 years after the tragedy, the long-awaited public memorial to the victims and legacy of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire was dedicated Wednesday in front of a crowd numbering in the thousands at th

Sep 22, 2023 | News Story

On Wednesday, Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.

Sep 15, 2023 | News Story

On Saturday morning, the rain held off and spirits soared as more than 75,000 workers from across our City and region came together to march in solidarity up Fifth Avenue at the 2023 NYC Labor Day Parade.

Sep 1, 2023 | News Story

As this "summer of strikes" gives way to autumn, we’re all by now familiar with the existential fight that our City’s striking writers and actors are facing.

Jul 7, 2023 | News Story

From the New York State AFL-CIO: New York is Union Strong because we are united. We share common values and interests, and we care about each other. One of the most important ways we can grow stronger as a movement is to talk with one another.  

Jun 30, 2023 | News Story

Watch/listen to Burnes Center Senior Fellow Seth Harris in conversation with Cathy Nolan, former New York State Assemblywoman for District 37, and Jessica García, Assistant to the President of the Retail, Wholesale Department Store Union (RWDSU), as they discuss agricultural workers rights, the b

Jun 23, 2023 | News Story

The NYC Central Labor Council in partnership with unions across New York City will work together to assist eligible permanent residents in navigating the process to becoming new U.S. citizens.

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

More than 300,000 immigrants have permission to live and work in our country today through a form of humanitarian relief called Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Jun 11, 2023 | Press Release

"Through the pandemic, extreme weather, and other significant challenges, New York City’s delivery workers keep millions of New Yorkers fed. In return, last year our City made a promise – that we would deliver the minimum pay and protections they fought so tirelessly for.