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:

Nov 8, 2024 | News Story

The result of this week’s Presidential election is obviously not what the Labor Movement hoped for, for many reasons. The Biden-Harris Administration has been the most pro-Labor in United States history, and union members turned out across the country in an effort to keep that momentum going.

Nov 1, 2024 | News Story

In the final days of the 2024 election, union members and volunteers are turning out the union vote for Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov.

Oct 25, 2024 | News Story

We need a President, Congress, and local elected officials who will fight for workers and protect our union rights!

Oct 4, 2024 | News Story

The devastation and loss of life we’re all seeing and reading about in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is historic and catastrophic in nature. In response to the disaster, the AFL-CIO has activated its Union Community Fund.

Oct 4, 2024 | News Story

Union members in New York City are fired up to get out the vote for worker-friendly candidates up and down the ballot! Events are happening both locally and in nearby battleground states and we are all-in!

Sep 27, 2024 | News Story

Union members in New York City are fired up to get out the vote for worker-friendly candidates up and down the ballot! Events are happening both locally and in nearby battleground states and we are all-in!

Sep 21, 2024 | Press Release

New York, NY - Dominicanos USA (DUSA), CUNY Citizenship Now!, and the NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO today proudly conducted a special citizenship application assistance event in celebration of National Citizenship Day, which took place earlier this week.

Sep 13, 2024 | News Story

On Saturday, September 7, more than 85,000 workers and their families took to the streets in a powerful and vibrant display of solidarity and pride, marching twenty blocks past tens of thousands of spectators who turned out in support.

Aug 30, 2024 | News Story

As we celebrate another well-deserved Labor Day weekend, I want to take the opportunity to extend our gratitude to all of you for your activism and solidarity throughout the year.