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:

Sep 2, 2022 | News Story

60 million non-union workers in the U.S. say they would join a union if given the chance, but many don’t know where to begin. The Worker Organizing Resource and Knowledge (WORK) Center, launched this week by the U.S.

Jul 29, 2022 | News Story

Union members worked together across the labor movement to win many important victories for working people last year.

Jun 17, 2022 | News Story

At the 29th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia this week, delegates elected Liz Shuler to serve as President of the federation of 57 unions and 12.5 million members. Shuler is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation.

Jun 25

Saturday, June 25, 2-4PM:  This commemoration / celebration in Columbus Park (the location of the 1982 rallies) will include music, dance, children’s activities and veterans speaking about the strike.

May 13, 2022 | News Story

Across the country, we are seeing a great resurgence in worker organizing. Workers are striking in record numbers and winning uphill battles against corporate giants.

May 6, 2022 | News Story

Union members, immigration activists, elected officials, and allies took to the streets across the City on Sunday, May 1 in celebration of International Workers Day. Events were held in both Union Square and Washington Square.

May 1

It's been two years since the pandemic started. The pandemic disproportionately impacted Black and brown communities, many were pushed to the frontlines as essential workers to provide for their families and our communities.

Apr 8, 2022 | News Story

Over the past month, thousands of union members across NYC and the nation signed petitions, wrote letters and called our senators. And now…we celebrate!

Mar 14, 2022 | News Story

Complex and changing policies affecting the economic and political conditions for immigrants in the United States have put a premium on free access to accurate information. In collaboration with the CUNY Citizenship Now!