New Americans Initiative

• Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs - Asylum Seekers Help Page
• Legal Assistance/Information NYC 311 Portal
• NYC 311 Portal
• Food Resource Guide
• Benefits for Asylum Seekers  (NOTE:  An individual who has applied for Asylum and has their receipt notice from USCIS now qualify for some benefits).
• Find Local Resources & CBOs in your community (simply enter your zip code and area of need)
• DYCD Resources and Programs (select "Immigrant Services" > Search)
• DOE Translation Line
• Identification Cards: IDNYC
• Employment/Small Business Support

For more than 100 years, New York City's YMCA has embraced immigrants, beginning with our settlement projects on Ellis Island in 1909 to the present day. Regardless of race, religion, country of origin, or circumstances that brought you here, we believe that all newcomers deserve a safe and supportive community.

The Y's New Americans Initiative (NAI) is committed to actively raising the quality of life for every immigrant and refugee in NYC. We never turn anyone away—or inquire about immigration status.

Our NAI centers provide free trauma-informed services and learning opportunities—such as legal resources, case management support, English literacy classes, citizenship preparation courses, and much more.

NAI works with an expansive network of staff, volunteers, and community partners with the shared vision of creating strong connected communities; rooted in the values of mutual respect, cooperation, communication, creativity, community engagement, accountability, and inclusivity.

While NYC is ever-changing, what remains constant is the Y's commitment to creating a sense of belonging and opportunity for all New Yorkers—where diversity is celebrated and all are welcome. Because when families feel welcome, they thrive. And when families thrive, our community grows stronger.

• 5,000+ Newcomers and their families supported annually

• In 2019, supported over 350 individuals on their pathway to Citizenship

• 99 countries from which new Americans have immigrated

The New Americans Initiative's free programs and services depend on the continued generosity of our donors and community partners. Donate to the Y to join us in ensuring these vital resources remain accessible to all New Yorkers.

Donate Now

The ESL program is designed for non-native speakers seeking to improve proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English. ESL coursework will expand students’ knowledge of American customs, culture, and civics.

Schedule: 

• Flatbush Beginners/Intermediate ESOL (Monday and Wednesday): 9 AM–12 PM or 1-4 PM or 6-9 PM
• Harlem Beginners/Intermediate ESOL (Monday through Thursday): 9 AM–12 PM or 5:30-8:30 PM

Requirements for Enrollment:

• Must have a working computer/laptop/smartphone/tablet with internet access
• Must be at least 16 years old and not be required to be enrolled in school.
   

To register or obtain additional information, please contact newamericans@ymcanyc.org

This ESL Civics is focused on participants’ participation and civic engagement in the United States (i.e., community engagement, volunteerism, leadership opportunities, workforce development, US laws and citizens’ rights, voting, etc.)

Schedule: Monday and Wednesday, 9 AM - 12 PM

Requirements for Enrollment:

• Must have a working computer/laptop/smartphone/tablet with internet access
• Must be at least 18 years old 
• Have a working knowledge of English (Intermediate/Advanced)
   

To register or obtain additional information, please contact newamericans@ymcanyc.org

IET class combines occupational skills training with contextualized English Language Learning to increase the educational and career advancement of participants via Restaurant Server or ServSafe Manager certification. Students in these classes will improve their English while working on completing one of the above certifications.

Schedule

Chinatown

• Restaurant Server – Beginner/Intermediate courses (Monday through Thursday): 9am-12pm or 6pm-9pm
• ServSafe Manager – Advanced course (Monday through Thursday): 6pm-9pm 

Flushing

• Restaurant Server – Beginner/Intermediate courses (Monday through Thursday): 6pm-9pm
• ServSafe Manager – Advanced course (Monday through Thursday): 9am-12pm 

Requirements for Enrollment:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a working knowledge of English (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced)
• Must commit to completing the course. Some Restaurant Server courses last 3 months, but other Restaurant Server and all ServSafe Manager courses are 6 months (July-December or January-June). All enrolled students must plan to stay in class for the full session and complete all certification exams.  

To register or obtain additional information, please contact newamericans@ymcanyc.org

The New Americans Initiative, in partnership with free and reliable legal service providers throughout New York City, welcomes you to email newamericans@ymcanyc.org if you are in need of the following: (bulleted list:  Adjustment of Status; Naturalization Assistance (Citizenship Applications); DACA Questions/Renewals; TPS Questions/Renewals; Refugee support; Asylum support and other immigration related issues).