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New York City Hosts National Convening of Cities Focused on Immigrant Inclusive Policies

For Immediate Release: December 5, 2024
Contact: Shaina Coronel, scoronel@cityhall.nyc.gov

New York – New York City Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro today announced the Cities for Action (C4A) annual convening hosted by New York City that will bring together cities across the country. Participants will join national advocacy groups, philanthropists, and business leaders to discuss how to further advance immigrant inclusive policies.

"The Cities for Action (C4A) annual convening provides an important platform for cities nationwide to unite, exchange insights, and enhance our collaborative efforts in supporting immigrant communities. Over the past few years, New York City and other cities across the country have been at the forefront in responding to the humanitarian needs of asylum seekers, said Camille Joseph Varlack, Chief of Staff and Special Counsel to the Mayor. "As we move forward, we are dedicated to supporting vulnerable immigrant populations and securing essential resources and protections."

"Over the last two and a half years, New York City has welcomed hundreds of thousands of individuals and families seeking asylum. Throughout that time, we have worked with other cities to coordinate efforts when possible and to share lessons learned along the way," said Anne Williams-Isom, Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services. "The Cities for Action convening is an important opportunity to once again come together, to listen and learn from one another, and to chart a path ahead for continued collaboration.

"We are exciting to be bringing together cities with national leaders across local government, business, philanthropic, and advocacy sector to better coordinate on immigrant inclusive policies," said Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs. "New York City will continue to stand firmly by the values that have made it a thriving city of immigrants, where all residents—no matter their immigration status—should feel able to trust their local government and seek a better future for themselves and their families,"

C4A is a national coalition of more than 200 U.S. mayors, county executives, and their local government representatives who advocate for pro-immigrant and inclusive immigration policies and programs that strengthen communities and families. At this year's convening, New York City will be joined by 27 localities from across the country, including Albuquerque, NM; Atlanta, GA; Aurora, CO; Austin, Houston, El Paso, TX; Baltimore, Baltimore County, MD; Boston, Sommerville, MA; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; Louisville, KY; Memphis, TN; Minneapolis, Saint Paul, MN; New York City, NY; Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, PA; Roselle, NJ; San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara County, Los Angeles, CA; SeaTac, Seattle, WA; St. Louis, MO.

"Chicago is proud to serve as a co-chair of Cities for Action, and we are deeply grateful for the dedication and advocacy of the Coalition. Now more than ever, it is critical for cities to work together in advancing immigrant rights. Chicago remains unwavering in our commitment to support immigrants and refugees and build a welcoming city for all," said Deputy Mayor Ponce de León, Deputy Mayor, Chicago Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights.

"Atlanta is proud to stand as a beacon of inclusivity and opportunity. Our immigrant communities are essential to the diversity that defines our city's identity and strength. As a welcoming city, we are committed to working with Cities for Action (C4A) to address the national humanitarian crisis, sharing best practices, and advocating for the federal support necessary to ensure all new arrivals have the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and unity," said Paulina Guzman, Executive Director of the Atlanta Mayor's Office of International and Immigrant Affairs.