Immigration

passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 441: Includes certain persons of Middle Eastern and North African heritage and speakers of Haitian Creole as language minorities

This bill amends New York's election law to expand the definition of "language minorities" to include people of Middle Eastern or North African heritage (as defined by federal standards) and Haitian Creole speakers. It directly affects election administration by requiring language assistance services for these groups, alongside existing categories like Spanish speakers and Asian American communities. The key change adds these specific groups to the list used to determine which voters are entitled to translated materials and interpretation services under federal voting rights protections. The bill takes effect one year after enactment.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill expands language assistance services for Middle Eastern/North African heritage and Haitian Creole speakers, providing election access to immigrant communities and supporting integration services.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 503: Makes migrant youth under the age of 25 eligible to receive housing vouchers under the family homelessness and eviction prevention supplement ("FHEPS") program

Makes migrant youth under the age of 25 who are receiving runaway and homeless youth services eligible to receive housing vouchers under the family homelessness and eviction prevention supplement ("FHEPS") program.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands housing voucher access for migrant youth experiencing homelessness, directly funding affordable housing assistance under FHEPS program.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationExpands housing assistance to migrant youth, directly providing immigrant services per indicators for support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6632: Establishes "SNAP for all", a state-funded supplemental nutrition assistance program to provide for the state's immigrant population

Establishes "SNAP for all", a state-funded supplemental nutrition assistance program to provide for those who are excluded from federal SNAP benefits solely due to immigration status; outlines eligibility requirements of applicants and operational requirements of the office of temporary and disability assistance.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesState-funded program increases public service spending, directly aligning with budget support indicators for funding essential programs.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProvides state-funded nutrition assistance to immigrants excluded from federal SNAP solely due to immigration status, directly addressing service access barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 278: Relates to enacting the "New York emergency expedited temporary work permit act"

Enacts the "New York emergency expedited temporary work permit act" to allow asylum seekers to apply for and be granted temporary work permits while their federal immigration status is being determined.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill enables asylum seekers to obtain temporary work permits during federal immigration processing, directly providing immigrant services and supporting work rights during status determination.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEnables asylum seekers to legally work, expanding employment access and protecting rights from exploitation in unauthorized labor markets.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Refugees & Asylum Work Authorization Child Labor

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1066: Relates to providing access to services and law enforcement in certain immigration related matters

This bill establishes new rules for state and local agencies regarding immigration-related matters. It prohibits government agencies from asking about a person's immigration status when providing public benefits or services, and bans law enforcement from stopping or detaining people based on immigration status or federal immigration detainers. The law requires confidentiality for any immigration information collected and mandates free interpreter services for non-English speakers during related inquiries. These provisions directly affect immigrants seeking public assistance, law enforcement agencies, and government offices handling benefits or services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts law enforcement from detaining based on immigration status, protecting civil rights and enhancing accountability in law enforcement practices.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits status inquiries for services, bans detentions based on immigration status, mandates interpreter services - protects immigrant rights and limits state enforcement cooperation95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6094: Relates to provision of interpreters at poll sites in certain cities

Requires the board of elections in cities with a population of one million or more to provide at least one interpreter for all languages that are designated city-wide languages at poll sites that contain an election district with at least fifty voting age residents whose limited English proficiency language is a designated city-wide language.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProvides language access for limited English proficiency voters, supporting immigrant integration in electoral participation85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3045: Establishes the new American homebuyer assistance program within the state of New York mortgage agency

Establishes the New American homebuyer assistance program within the state of New York mortgage agency to assist first time homebuyers by imposing flexible documentation guidelines that take into account foreign documentation of income and assets.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates state program to assist first-time homebuyers with flexible documentation, advancing affordable housing access through new mortgage assistance.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill establishes homebuyer program with flexible foreign documentation guidelines for income/assets, directly aiding immigrants by removing barriers to state housing services and supporting integration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Mortgages

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4538: Enacts the building up immigrant legal defense or BUILD act

Enacts the building up immigrant legal defense or BUILD act to provide competitive workforce development and capacity building grants to eligible entities that are seeking to expand access to representation for individuals facing deportation by increasing the workforce and strengthening the legal services infrastructure needed to provide such representation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides competitive grants for immigrant legal defense, increasing public service funding allocation under budget appropriations.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProvides grants to expand legal representation for immigrants facing deportation, strengthening access to defense services and legal infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Immigrant Services Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7143: Require boards of elections to provide Haitian Creole language voting materials

This bill (A 7143) requires election boards to provide voting information in Haitian Creole, directly affecting Haitian Creole-speaking voters. It mandates that election websites offer the same content in Haitian Creole as in other languages, and that boards distribute a citywide booklet containing: voter registration forms with Haitian Creole instructions, absentee ballot application details in Haitian Creole, and general voter FAQs in Haitian Creole. The booklet must include specific forms and instructions, though boards may also include other languages. The law takes effect January 1 following its enactment.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationMandates language access for Haitian Creole speakers, a key immigrant service enhancing voting accessibility for Haitian communities.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2505: Relates to the distribution of appropriations for humanitarian aid including short term shelter services to migrant individuals and families

Provides that the comptroller shall examine and audit all state or federal funds appropriated or received for the humanitarian aid including short term shelter services to migrant individuals and families, including costs associated with humanitarian emergency response and relief centers for individuals entering short term shelter on or after April 1, 2024 in New York city or any other municipality in New York state.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill allocates state funds for migrant shelter services and mandates audit of humanitarian aid expenditures, directly providing immigrant services per topic description.95% confidence

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