We Are All Immigrants

Supporting the Success of Immigrants in New York

TOP We Are All Immigrants

New York Holds the Torch High

New York State and this nation were founded on the premise that we are all created equal. We are a country committed to one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. While this promise may be threatened by acts of hate and intolerance, we must remember that we are stronger than that - we are one New York and we are all immigrants.

New York's immigrants are at the heart of our state's rich civic and social diversity. Hate crimes, discrimination, and any act that threatens our ideals will not be tolerated. There will be repercussions.

We will continue our legacy of protecting the rights and freedoms of all New Yorkers, including immigrants, so that they have the opportunity to succeed and contribute to our state's cultural and economic strength.

We will hold Lady Liberty's torch high and make our message heard loud and clear: New York is a refuge for our immigrants, and we will continue to welcome them with open arms.

Governor Cuomo's Message to New Yorkers

Diversity is a strength, not a weakness

Resources for Immigrants

We Will Stand Up For the Rights of Immigrant New Yorkers

Watch the video of Governor Cuomo announcing statewide actions to protect civil rights and combat hate crimes.

Three-Part Action Plan

Hate Crime Unit

Under the direction of the State Police, a new Hate Crime Unit will work together to investigate and assist other law enforcement agencies in the crackdown of hate crimes. The unit consists of specialists in bias crime investigations who will coordinate with local District Attorneys to prosecute those involved in hate crimes throughout New York.

Protecting All Students

New York will continue to protect all victims of discrimination and enforce its strict laws against hate crimes, especially at our schools. We will advance the legislation to protect not only private schools, but public schools under New York State’s Human Rights law. Any complaints of bullying, harassment or other discrimination made by students will now be eligible for investigation on a statewide level.

Empire State Immigrant Defense Project

The first-in-the-nation, state-led, public-private legal defense project will ensure that all New Yorkers have access to representation and due process, regardless of their citizenship status. This initiative will be administered by the State’s Office for New Americans in partnership with advocacy organizations, major colleges and universities, law firms, and legal associations around the state.

Read the Plan

One nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all

Expansion of Naturalization Services

An additional Naturalize NY lottery will help 1,500 eligible immigrant New Yorkers become U.S. citizens and will cover the cost of their naturalization.

Office for New Americans

Governor Couomo established the Office for New Americans to assist newcomers to NY who are eager to contribute to our economy and become a part of the NY family.

Protecting Your Civil Rights and Combating Hate Crimes

Hotline: 1-888-392-3644

Residents who have experienced bias-motivated threats, harassment or discrimination are encouraged to call the toll-free hotline from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. open Monday-Friday. If you need to report a crime or fear your safety, call 911 immediately.

File a Complaint

In the face of fear, New Yorkers spread love

Women's Rights

NY is advancing women’s rights and equal pay by adopting salary history blind hiring practices and requiring all state contractors to report employees’ gender and pay.

LGBT Rights

NY has issued state-wide regulations prohibiting harassment and discrimination against the LGBT Community.

Worker's Rights

NY offers a promise that our arms and hearts are open to those who come here to work and build a better future for themselves.