Who This Helps
NYC immigrants and mixed-status families — whether you’re undocumented, have a pending asylum case, need to renew a work permit, or just want to understand your rights during a period of intensified federal enforcement. This guide is also for friends, neighbors, and advocates who want to help the people around them navigate the system.
Immigration law changes frequently. This article provides general information, not legal advice. Verify current rules and your specific situation with a licensed immigration attorney.
What’s Changed: Federal Immigration Policy in 2026
The immigration landscape in New York City has shifted significantly since January 2026. Understanding what’s changed federally — and what NYC is doing to protect its residents — is the first step to knowing how to get help.
The federal government has enacted several major changes affecting NYC immigrants this year:
Work permit duration has been shortened. USCIS reduced the validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from five years to 18 months or one year for both initial applications and renewals. If your work permit is expiring, begin the renewal process as early as possible — delays are common and a gap in authorization can affect employment.
Asylum applications are on hold. USCIS placed a hold on processing most asylum applications starting January 21, 2026, pending a policy review. This is affecting tens of thousands of applicants nationwide. If you have a pending asylum case, contact a legal aid organization immediately to understand how this affects your timeline and any related benefits.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia was terminated. Protections that were valid through February 13, 2026 have ended. Ethiopian nationals who held TPS should consult with an immigration attorney about any alternative forms of relief that may be available.
ICE operations have expanded. Beginning March 23, 2026, ICE deployed personnel at 14 U.S. airports. While NYC maintains sanctuary city protections limiting local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, federal enforcement at airports and federal facilities is not covered by sanctuary policies.
How NYC Is Protecting Immigrants
Despite federal enforcement increases, New York City has significantly expanded its support infrastructure for immigrant residents:
NYC allocated over $120 million for free immigrant legal services as of July 1, 2025. New York State invested $64.2 million in immigration legal services in fiscal year 2026 — more than any other state in the country, according to the NYC Comptroller’s “Protecting Our Neighbors” report. NYC lawmakers have proposed an additional $175 million for immigrant legal defense programs (March 2026).
The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), now led by Commissioner Faiza Ali (appointed February 2026), operates 125+ Legal Support Centers across NYC neighborhoods — in schools, libraries, health facilities, and community centers — providing free immigration legal assistance.
NYC’s sanctuary city status remains in force, meaning NYC police officers are prohibited from assisting ICE enforcement actions against people who have not been convicted of a serious crime.
Free Legal Help: Real Organizations, Real Contact Information
Every resource listed below is a verified organization. Before acting on any immigration matter, consult directly with one of these providers:
Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Legal Hotline
Phone: 800-354-0365
Website: nyc.gov/site/immigrants
This is the first call to make. MOIA can refer you to the nearest free Legal Support Center in your neighborhood and connect you with representation. You can also dial 311 and say “Immigration” to be connected.
The Legal Aid Society — Immigration Law Unit
Phone: 212-577-3300
Website: legalaidnyc.org
Provides direct legal representation for deportation defense, citizenship applications, and family reunification for low-income New Yorkers.
Legal Services NYC
Phone: 917-661-4500 (Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Website: legalservicesnyc.org
Assists with immigration status, housing, and public benefits. Serves low-income New Yorkers across all five boroughs.
New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)
Website: nylag.org
Provides free legal counseling through mobile clinics operating across all five boroughs. Check their website for current clinic schedules in your neighborhood.
Catholic Migration Services
Website: catholicmigration.org
Provides free immigration legal services in Brooklyn and Queens. Open to all regardless of religion.
New York Immigration Coalition
Website: nyic.org
Statewide advocacy organization that also provides community legal education and can connect you with local legal providers.
IDNYC: Your Free NYC ID Card
If you don’t have a government-issued photo ID — for any reason, including immigration status — IDNYC is available to every NYC resident age 10 and older, completely free through December 31, 2026.
IDNYC is accepted as a valid ID by NYC agencies, hospitals, and banks. It also provides free or discounted access to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, the Brooklyn Museum, and dozens of other cultural institutions.
To apply: Visit nyc.gov/site/idnyc. You’ll need documents that add up to at least 3 identity points and 1 residency point. Walk-in appointments are available at some locations (check the site for current availability). Standard processing delivers the card within approximately two weeks.
IDNYC enrollment centers: Located in all five boroughs. Find locations and required documents at nyc.gov/site/idnyc or by calling 311.
Know Your Rights During Immigration Enforcement
Understanding your rights during an enforcement encounter is critical. Here’s what NYC legal advocates want every immigrant to know:
You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status from any law enforcement officer. Politely say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
You have the right to refuse a search. If an officer asks to search your home, car, or belongings, you can say: “I do not consent to this search.”
You have the right to speak with a lawyer. If you are detained, immediately ask to speak with an attorney. Do not sign any documents without legal counsel.
NYC agencies will not ask about your status. Under NYC’s sanctuary city policy, city employees at schools, hospitals, shelters, and social service agencies are prohibited from asking about or reporting immigration status.
For printable Know Your Rights cards in multiple languages, visit nyc.gov/site/immigrants or call MOIA at 800-354-0365.
How to Take Action
If you need immigration legal help now:
→ Call MOIA Hotline: 800-354-0365
→ Dial 311 and say “Immigration”
→ Find your nearest Legal Support Center: nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/get-legal-help.page
If your work permit is expiring:
→ Contact Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 or NYLAG at nylag.org for help with EAD renewal applications. Start the process at least 6 months before expiration given current USCIS processing delays.
If you have a pending asylum case:
→ Contact The Legal Aid Society at 212-577-3300 immediately for guidance on the current USCIS hold and your options.
To get your free IDNYC card:
→ nyc.gov/site/idnyc or call 311 — free through December 31, 2026.
For Know Your Rights resources:
→ nyic.org (New York Immigration Coalition)
→ legalaidnyc.org
You can also read our recent overview of NYC benefits available this spring, including programs open to immigrants regardless of status.
Immigration law is complex and changes rapidly. The information in this article is current as of April 2026 and is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Please consult a licensed immigration attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
