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:

Aug 30, 2024 | News Story

Support for unions stays strong as a majority of Americans continue to view labor unions in a positive light, according to a new Gallup survey released Wednesday.

Aug 9, 2024 | News Story

On Saturday, September 21st, the NYC Central Labor Council in partnership with unions across New York City will work to assist eligible permanent residents in navigating the process to becoming new U.S. citizens.

Aug 2, 2024 | News Story

On Saturday, September 21st, the NYC Central Labor Council in partnership with unions across New York City will work to assist eligible permanent residents in navigating the process to becoming new U.S. citizens.

Jul 26, 2024 | News Story

Following a vote of its Executive Council, which represents 60 unions and 12.5 million workers, on Monday the AFL-CIO unanimously endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President in

Jul 26, 2024 | News Story

This week the Department of Homeland Security announced their updated guidance on the "initial period" extending the grant period from 2 to 4 years for deferred action for labor enforcement.

Jul 19, 2024 | News Story

Elected officials, advocates, members of Worker’s Justice Project, and Laborers Locals 79 and 1010 LiUNA conducted a multi-stop Road to Justice caravan on Wednesday, July 17th to confront employers who have refused to pay immigrant workers what they are owed.

Jun 14, 2024 | News Story

Early voting in the 2024 Primary Elections will take place from Saturday, June 15 through Sunday, June 23rd. Election Day is Tuesday, June 25th.

Sep 21

Saturday, September 21: Are you a Lawful Permanent Resident? Apply for citizenship and exercise all your rights!

Services Offered:

May 3, 2024 | News Story

Around the world, workers’ lives, livelihoods and rights are under attack. Climate disasters and conflicts are displacing people from their homes, and are increasing risks for working people and all our families.