Immigration

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 8, 2025

S 141: Establishes the right to legal counsel in immigration court proceedings and provides for the administration thereof

This New York state bill (S 141) establishes a right to free legal help for eligible immigrants facing removal proceedings in New York. It directly affects income-eligible non-citizens detained in New York, those with strong New York ties (like being a state resident or having a case heard there), or those transferred from New York to federal immigration detention. The law requires the state to provide ongoing legal representation starting when a case begins (e.g., upon receiving a "Notice to Appear") and covers all immigration court stages, including appeals. Legal services must be provided by state-designated providers to individuals earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationThe bill establishes a right to free legal counsel for eligible immigrants in removal proceedings, directly protecting immigrant rights and providing services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Immigrant Services Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8994: Requires police and peace officers receive a lawful order before assisting with immigration enforcement

Requires police and peace officers receive a lawful order before assisting with immigration enforcement; requires federal agents identify themselves at the request of public officers, police officers or peace officers; establishes penalties for federal agents who fail to identify themselves.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill sets conditions for police assistance in immigration enforcement (requiring lawful orders) and mandates federal agent identification, enhancing law enforcement accountability and protecting civil rights in policing interactions.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationThe bill limits state/local officer assistance with federal immigration enforcement by requiring a lawful order, and increases accountability for federal agents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New York · Assembly Sep 8, 2025

A 2270: Relates to allowing disclosures in furtherance of the enforcement of state law

This bill amends New York's vehicle and traffic law to restrict the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from sharing driver's license or vehicle records with agencies primarily enforcing immigration law. It requires the DMV to notify individuals within three days if such a request is made, unless notification would interfere with a federal criminal investigation. Exceptions allow disclosure only with a federal court order or when an agency is enforcing state/federal criminal law (not immigration law). The bill directly affects DMV operations, immigration enforcement agencies, and individuals whose records may be requested.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill A 2270 restricts the DMV from sharing data with immigration enforcement agencies, limiting state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6041: Relates to permitting persons who have filed for asylum to work in New York state

S 6041 would permit individuals in New York who have filed for asylum under federal immigration law to work in the state. The bill directs the New York State labor commissioner to create rules making asylum seekers eligible for employment, bypassing potential delays in federal work authorization. This applies directly to people who have submitted asylum applications and are living in New York. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill permits asylum seekers to work in NY, directly advancing their economic integration and providing a service to immigrants.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEnables asylum seekers to work immediately, expanding employment access and workforce participation without federal delays.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Refugees & Asylum Work Authorization

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2161: Relates to resettlement of asylum seekers

Prohibits municipal corporations from refusing resettlement of asylum seekers from other municipal corporations in the state, provided that the resettling municipal corporation covers the costs of such resettlement, and no property of the municipal corporation receiving such asylum seekers is used without such municipal corporation's consent.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill A 2161 prohibits municipalities from refusing resettlement of asylum seekers, thereby supporting immigrant integration and access to services within the state.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Refugees & Asylum

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 632: Relates to the oversight of immigration detention facilities

Relates to the oversight of immigration detention facilities; prohibits municipalities from using funds or resources for the construction of any new detention facility or the expansion of any existing detention facility without approval by the legislature; establishes a committee on immigration detention oversight.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesProhibits municipalities from using funds for detention facilities without legislative approval, restricting budget allocation for specific government spending.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationThe bill restricts the expansion of immigration detention facilities and establishes an oversight committee, limiting enforcement infrastructure and promoting accountability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies Tags Local Government

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4507: Relates to the form of the juror qualification questionnaire

Relates to the form of the juror qualification questionnaire; provides that such questionnaire shall only require a prospective juror who is not a citizen of the United States to certify, under penalty of perjury, that they are not a citizen.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationThe bill simplifies the juror qualification questionnaire for non-citizens, requiring only certification of non-citizenship, which streamlines a process for them.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1286: Relates to permitting persons who have filed for asylum to work in New York state

This bill allows individuals who have filed for asylum under federal law (8 U.S.C. § 1158) to work in New York State. It directs the state labor commissioner to create rules enabling these asylum seekers to obtain work authorization. The policy directly affects people who have applied for asylum but lack federal work permits, providing them access to employment in New York. The bill establishes a state-level mechanism for work eligibility without changing federal asylum procedures.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill A 1286 explicitly permits asylum seekers to work in New York, providing them access to employment and advancing immigrant integration at the state level.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEnables asylum seekers to work in NY via state authorization, expanding employment access for vulnerable workers and aligning with labor rights protections.95% confidence

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

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4864: Relates to work authorization for asylum seekers

Directs the comptroller to withhold certain payments to be made to the federal government until asylum seekers in the custody of the city of New York are granted documentation or authorization for employment.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationThe bill aims to secure work authorization for asylum seekers, which directly advances their ability to work and integrate into society.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Refugees & Asylum Sanctuary Policies Work Authorization

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5121: Relates to affidavits of the lawful immigration status of certain students; repealer

This bill (S 5121) removes a requirement for certain students without lawful immigration status to submit an affidavit confirming they have applied to legalize their status or will do so when eligible. It directly affects undocumented students enrolled in New York State educational institutions. The bill repeals specific sections of the Education Law (including parts of Sections 6206, 661, 6301, and 6455) that previously mandated this affidavit. The change eliminates this administrative step for affected students without altering other tuition or fee policies.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRemoves administrative barrier for undocumented students, expanding educational access by repealing affidavit requirement under Education Law.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationThe bill removes an administrative requirement for undocumented students, directly easing their access to New York State educational institutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education DACA & Dreamers

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