Protecting Immigrant New Yorkers is an independent, community-focused educational platform dedicated to serving immigrants and their families across New York State.
Regardless of documentation status, language, or country of origin, our mission is based on the conviction that immigrant populations’ safety, empowerment, and well-being depend on having access to accurate information, trustworthy public resources, and a supportive community.
This domain, which is currently privately run and serves as an inclusive knowledge center, was first started as a legal aid program to defend immigrant rights. Our goal is to give people, families, advocates, educators, and service providers involved in immigrant justice and community development timely, easily comprehensible content.
Platform Overview (Informational & Independent)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Site Name | Protecting Immigrant New Yorkers |
| Website | https://protectingimmigrants.org/ |
| Email Contact | support@protectingimmigrants.org |
| Platform Type | Informational, educational, non-affiliated |
| Previous Association | Immigrant legal aid or outreach initiative |
| Audience | Immigrants, legal service providers, educators, families, and allies |
| Languages | English (with upcoming support for Spanish, Bengali, Mandarin, and more) |
Our Mission
At Protecting Immigrant New Yorkers, we:
- Provide reliable, plain-language content on immigrant rights and services
- Connect users to free and low-cost legal aid across New York
- Promote access to public services such as housing, food assistance, and healthcare
- Highlight stories of resilience and success within immigrant communities
- Serve as a trusted resource in times of legal uncertainty, policy change, and public fear
We believe that every person, no matter their status, deserves to live with dignity, safety, and access to opportunity. We are committed to breaking down barriers to information, legal protection, and advocacy.
Key Topics We Cover
1. Immigration & Legal Rights
- “Know Your Rights” during ICE or police encounters
- Rights of immigrants in New York workplaces, schools, and housing
- Explanation of asylum, DACA, TPS, green cards, and pathways to citizenship
- Legal representation options: how to find free or low-cost help
- Legal timelines, hearing expectations, and documentation guidance
2. Public Services for All
- Accessing emergency healthcare without fear of deportation
- NYC Care and community clinics that do not ask for immigration status
- Food assistance: SNAP, WIC, and local food pantries
- Rental assistance and tenant rights in New York State
- Education access: enrolling children in public schools, financial aid eligibility
3. Family and Community Support
- Resources for survivors of domestic violence and trafficking
- Mental health counseling and trauma-informed care
- Support for LGBTQ+ immigrants and youth
- Multilingual helplines and interpretation services
- Community centers, advocacy groups, and safe spaces
4. Policy & Advocacy
- Updates on state and federal immigration policy
- City-level protections (e.g., sanctuary policies in NYC)
- How to contact your representatives and advocate for change
- Community organizing guides and tools
Resource Hubs and Directories
We are building comprehensive directories that include:
- Legal Aid Clinics: Locations, eligibility criteria, and services
- Healthcare Providers: Free or low-cost clinics with language access
- Tenant Rights Centers: Housing counseling, eviction prevention, and dispute resolution
- Youth & Education Programs: Mentorship, tutoring, ESL resources, and college readiness
- Workplace Rights Organizations: Wage theft protection, unsafe conditions reporting
Why This Platform Matters
In recent years, immigrant communities have faced an increasing number of challenges—from federal crackdowns and legal uncertainty to economic instability, language barriers, and public misinformation. Misinformation can lead to fear, isolation, and dangerous decisions. Our goal is to offer a reliable source of truth and clarity.
Immigrant New Yorkers contribute deeply to the state’s culture, economy, and social fabric. Yet, they often encounter systemic barriers to justice, services, and protection. Protecting Immigrant New Yorkers exists to fill the gap—to serve as a bridge between communities and the resources they need to thrive.
Editorial Standards
We uphold strong principles of transparency and ethical publishing:
- All articles are based on verified information from reputable organizations, including ACLU, NILC, NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Make the Road NY, and more.
- We cite legal experts, immigration law practitioners, and state policy analysts.
- We do not collect user data or sell information to third parties.
- We do not offer legal advice—instead, we direct readers to qualified organizations.
- Content is reviewed quarterly to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Disclaimer
Protecting Immigrant New Yorkers (protectingimmigrants.org) is a privately operated and editorially independent website. It is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by any local, state, or federal government agency, immigrant aid nonprofit, or legal services provider. The content published on this site is for general educational purposes only.
We strongly recommend that users contact licensed legal service providers or immigration attorneys for help with individual legal matters. For emergencies or official information, please contact:
- NYC Immigration Hotline: 800-354-0365
- 311 (within New York City)
- National Immigration Legal Services Directory: immigrationadvocates.org
Contact Us
We welcome your questions, suggestions, corrections, and contributions. If you are part of an advocacy group, legal organization, or community network and would like to collaborate:
- Email: support@protectingimmigrants.org
- Contact Page: Visit our Contact Us page
Future Plans
We are actively expanding our platform to include:
- State-by-state immigration protection guides (starting with NY, NJ, CA, TX)
- Interview series with community leaders and legal experts
- Translated versions of all core resources (Spanish, Bengali, Mandarin, Haitian Creole)
- Emergency planning tools for undocumented families
- Updates on deportation defense campaigns and mutual aid efforts
