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:

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. 

May 1

"May Day is about all workers,” said Vincent Alvarez, president of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

Mar 21, 2014 | News Story

This week, the State Senate failed to pass the New York State DREAM Act.  The legislation would allow undocumented students to apply for the State’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), as well as various in-state lo

Mar 3, 2014 | Press Release

Help the NYC CLC celebrate all the contributions that women make to our city's labor movement.

Rosie the Riveter is an iconic image that celebrates the contributions that women make to our workforce, labor movement, and to our nation as a whole.

Dec 27, 2013 | News Story

On Monday, NYC CLC President Vincent Alvarez, 32BJ SEIU President Hector Figueroa, and PSC-CUNY President Barbara Bowen gathered with NY Immigration Coalition Executive Director Steve Choi, La Fuente/NYCPP Executive Director Lucia Jimenez-Gomez,  Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Assemblyman F

Dec 9, 2013 | News Story

Last week, workers from various sectors and industries got together to highlight a new day in New York City.  Workers, parents, community groups, and Labor union representatives gathered to celebrate the end where the needs of the wealthy were unfairly placed over those of everyday people.