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:

Apr 28, 2023 | News Story

Friday, April 28, 12PM: Join the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) for our annual Workers’ Memorial Day event to honor those who have died or suffered injuries or illnesses while on the job, to rec

Apr 28, 2023 | News Story

The NYC CLC, representing 300 unions and 1.3 million members including more than one million registered voter households across New York City, yesterday announced its first round of endorsements for the 2023 New York City elections.

Apr 28, 2023 | News Story

On Wednesday the AFL-CIO released its 32nd annual report, Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, a national and state-by-state profile of worker safety and health.

Apr 27, 2023 | Press Release

NEW YORK, April 27, 2023 — The New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO (NYC CLC), representing 300 unions and 1.3 million members, including more than one million registered voter households across New York City, today announced its first round of endorsements for the 2023 N

Apr 21, 2023 | News Story

Julie Su has made a career out of representing not only workers, but the most vulnerable workers in America. Her record speaks for itself. As a young attorney representing trafficked Thai garment workers outside of Los Angeles, she won $4 million in stolen wages.

Mar 24

Friday, March 24, 11:30AM-1PM: Please join us for the commemoration of the 112th anniversary of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, one of the pivotal events in US history and a turning point in labor’s struggle to achieve fair wages, dignity at work and safe working conditions.

Mar 10, 2023 | News Story

President Biden unveiled his new federal budget yesterday, building on his commitment to fostering an economy that focuses on putting working families first.

Mar 10, 2023 | News Story

We join Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.) and Reps. Bobby Scott (Va.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.) in their call to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. Working people are sick of corporations raking in record profits while we can barely support our families.

Mar 3, 2023 | News Story

We join Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.) and Reps. Bobby Scott (Va.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.) in their call to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. Working people are sick of corporations raking in record profits while we can barely support our families.

Feb 10, 2023 | News Story

President Biden gave his annual State of the Union address Tuesday night. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler weighed in: