De Blasio Administration and Hispanic Federation Host Dreamer Dinner to Show Thanks and Renew Calls for Passage of the Dream Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20, 2017
CONTACT: mediabox@moia.nyc.gov, 646-343-7164

Hispanic Federation, Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and Center for Faith & Community Partnerships brings together over 100 New Yorkers to break bread and give thanks to Dreamers, advocates and allies

Additional photos are available upon request

NEW YORK—The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Center for Faith & Community Partnerships joined the Hispanic Federation to bring over one hundred New Yorkers, including dozens of Dreamers, together last night to break bread, give thanks, and refortify their shared commitment to passing a legislative solution for New York City's 30,000 Dreamers, and the nearly 800,000 Dreamers nationwide. As families gather around dinner tables across the country to show thanks for their loved ones and communities, New York City's Dreamers, their families and allies will break bread in a showing of American values and a refortified commitment to fighting for the Dream Act.

"This city is home to 30,000 Dreamers, who are our neighbors, our colleagues, and our friends. The de Blasio Administration won't stop fighting to keep them right here where they belong: in New York City," said Acting Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Bitta Mostofi. "At a time of year when families and friends are gathered together to show thanks and love for one another, we are breaking bread with Dreamers to do just the same."

"It is that time of year when many reflect on and honor our national traditions. There is no greater American tradition than immigration – arriving to a nation, making it your own, and making it great – and that is what Dreamers have done," said Marco Carrion, Commissioner of the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit. "New York City supports its Dreamers and will fight for a clean Dream Act in Congress. Although the federal government is trying to limit their rights and opportunities, the City of New York will not leave Dreamers behind. The City is here to help Dreamers achieve their goals and thrive."

"Tonight, we affirm New York City's commitment to our Dreamers," said Jonathan Soto, Executive Director of the Mayor's Center for Faith and Community Partnerships. "We honor their dreams and will fight to protect them, as fellow New Yorkers, from anti-immigrant legislation and policy. Working with our partners at the Community Affairs Unit, Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Hispanic Federation, and the faith community, we declare to our Dreamers and their advocates: the City has your back."

"We call them Dreamers because their story – growing up here as immigrants and building a life here as new Americans – is part and parcel of the American Dream," said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. "America must do right by our Dreamers. At events like this one, in the streets, in the courts, and wherever else they need us to be, New York will continue to stand by the young people who have grown up here, contributed to our community, and who deserve security, stability, and a full life with their families, outside the shadows."

"As a nation built by immigrants, it is fitting that we stand in solidarity with Dreamers this holiday season," said José Calderón, President of Hispanic Federation. "Dreamers are our family members, classmates, colleagues, friends, and represent in every way the very promise and future of America. Hispanic Federation will never give up on fighting for their rights and a clean Dream Act that will help uplift them, their families, and our communities."

DACA recipients are essential to New York City's communities and economy, playing critical roles such as caregivers, public servants, lawyers, teachers, and members of the armed forces. In New York City, Dreamers contribute $19 million annually in local revenue. The de Blasio Administration continues to advocate for Dreamers in Congress, as well as provide direct resources and support through neighborhood outreach and legal clinics. The City is providing free legal support through ActionNYC, mental health support through ThriveNYC and has supported over 600 Know Your Rights forums this year in immigrant communities across the five boroughs. The City has also brought their fight to the courts, participating in amicus briefs in support of Dreamers. Through Cities for Action, a national coalition of over 100 mayors and county executives, New York City is working with Mayors across the country to urge Congress to pass the Dream Act.