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:

Feb 10, 2023 | News Story

Labor and Civil rights leaders gathered Thursday night for the NYC CLC's annual Labor and Civil Rights event, a panel in which they engaged in a vibrant discussion of the role of the Labor Movement in the fight for racial, social, and economic justice.

Jan 20, 2023 | News Story

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that noncitizen workers who are victims of, or witnesses to, the violation of labor rights, can now access a streamlined and expedited deferred action request process.

Dec 28, 2022 | News Story

In 2022, we’ve seen workers here and around the country rise up to take back their own power, demanding better pay, improved working conditions, and a voice in their workplace.

Nov 11, 2022 | News Story

In this week's elections, working New Yorkers made their voices heard, voting in support of candidates who will stand up for working families and engaging voters one on one through our NYC Labor Votes! Campaign and the efforts of our affiliate unions.

Nov 9, 2022 | Press Release

Yesterday, working New Yorkers made their voices heard, voting in support of candidates who will stand up for working families and engaging voters one on one through our NYC Labor Votes! Campaign and the efforts of our affiliate unions.

Oct 21, 2022 | News Story

On Thursday, the NYC CLC and UFT held our

Oct 21, 2022 | News Story

At our October 2022 Executive Board Meeting, the NYC CLC passed four resolutions addressing upcoming ballot proposals, immigration policy, and FIFA/2026 World Cup human rights and labor standards. Click the links below for the full text of each resolution:

Oct 14, 2022 | News Story

Seasonal workers are on the front lines, and these jobs should be good, union jobs with fair wages and safe working conditions. However, the current structure of the H-2B program has enabled rampant and often egregious abuse.