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:

May 1

Join the MAY DAY Rally to END INCOME INEQUALITY

4:30 pm

Meet at Billionaire Walmart owner Alice Walton’s home on the corner of 60th St. between Park and Lexington Ave.

6 pm

Apr 12

There is currently a great deal of confusion in immigrant communities about President Obama's executive action which is temporarily on hold, but is ultimately expected to be upheld. That's why providing reliable information and combatting immigration fraud is more important than ever.

Nov 21

New Yorkers Come Together in "Immigrant Unity Rally" to Celebrate and Respond to President's Historic Announcement

Nov 21, 2014 | Press Release

New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO President Vincent Alvarez has released the following statement regarding President Obama's announcement on immigration action:

Oct 2

Mobilizing Against Inequality: Unions, Immigrant Workers, and the Crisis of Capitalism - Book Launch Celebration

Jun 27, 2014 | Press Release

New York, NY - New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO President Vincent Alvarez today stood with United States Senator Chuck Schumer, 32BJ SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Kyle Bragg, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, immigrant rights organizations, and representatives of the business commun

May 19

Friday, May 9 – Monday, May 19

The Workers Unite Film Festival is a celebration of Labor through film.

Please click here for more information and to view the full schedule of screenings.

May 2, 2014 | News Story

Yesterday, thousands of union members and community groups converged on City Hall Park to speak out for fair wages and contracts, safe jobs and comprehensive immigration reform.