Immigration

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5077: Requires municipal corporations to approve any facility intending to house asylum seekers

Requires municipal corporations to approve any facility intending to house asylum seekers prior to their establishment; establishes a review process that incorporates notice to the public and the opportunity for the public to comment; renders a decision within 8 weeks.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationThe bill adds municipal approval and public review requirements for facilities housing asylum seekers, potentially restricting access to immigrant services.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Refugees & Asylum

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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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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4447: Prohibits the use of SUNY dormitories for the purposes of providing permanent or temporary housing for migrant populations

Prohibits the use of SUNY dormitories for the purposes of providing permanent or temporary housing for migrant populations; requests the board of trustees adopt a policy stating such.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingProhibits SUNY dorms from housing migrants, restricting a potential housing option for vulnerable populations and limiting housing development access.90% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill S 4447 prohibits the use of SUNY dormitories for migrant housing, which directly restricts immigrant access to services at the state level.95% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6454: Relates to verification of voter qualifications

Requires the state board of elections to participate in the systematic alien verification for entitlements (SAVE) program, administered by the United States citizenship and immigration services agency, to verify that a person who is either registered or registering to vote is a United States citizen.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationThe bill mandates state participation in the federal SAVE program, which is administered by USCIS, to verify voter citizenship, increasing state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7859: Enacts the "ICE ban in hospitals and shelters act"

Prohibits civil arrest in hospital, shelter, food bank, and crisis center settings; except to address an imminent safety situation or if they have an appropriate judicial warrant or judicial order.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits civil arrests in hospitals/shelters, protecting civil rights in vulnerable settings per criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits ICE arrests in hospitals/shelters, protecting patient access and rights in healthcare settings without restricting care.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill prohibits civil arrest by ICE in sensitive settings like hospitals and shelters, directly limiting federal immigration enforcement and protecting individuals, including immigrants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1041: Relates to providing additional reimbursement to school districts for expenses incurred as a result of an influx of migrant students entering the schools of the districts

Relates to providing additional reimbursement to school districts for expenses incurred as a result of an influx of migrant students entering the schools of the districts; directs the governor to submit chapter amendments to the Aid to Localities budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs additional reimbursement to school districts through Aid to Localities budget amendments, increasing state funding for public education expenses.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides additional reimbursement to school districts for migrant student-related expenses, directly increasing funding for K-12 education infrastructure and support.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill provides additional reimbursement to school districts for expenses related to an influx of migrant students, funding immigrant services.95% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 168: 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 eligibility under FHEPS to migrant youth under 25 experiencing homelessness, directly increasing affordable housing access for vulnerable populations.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationThe bill makes 'migrant youth' eligible for housing vouchers, which directly provides a service to immigrants and supports their integration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights DACA & Dreamers Driver Licenses & IDs Immigrant Services

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5954: Relates to prohibiting law enforcement officers and peace officers from inquiring about the immigration status of a victim or witness to a criminal offense

This bill prohibits state and local police officers and designated peace officers from asking crime victims or witnesses about their immigration status, except when necessary to investigate the crime. It directly affects individuals reporting crimes or testifying in court who might otherwise face immigration-related questions. The law applies to all law enforcement officers defined under New York's criminal procedure law and takes effect immediately. The provision aims to encourage crime reporting by ensuring victims and witnesses aren't deterred by fears of immigration enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits law enforcement from inquiring about immigration status of crime victims/witnesses, protecting civil rights and encouraging reporting - key criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill S 5954 protects immigrants by prohibiting law enforcement from inquiring about the immigration status of crime victims/witnesses, encouraging reporting and limiting state enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Policing Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1528: Relates to the issue of non-commercial drivers' licenses and learners' permits in counties which contain in whole or in part boundary land; repealer

This bill exempts counties containing "boundary land" (as defined in state law) from standard identity document requirements for non-commercial driver's licenses and learners' permits. It modifies existing law to remove the need for applicants in these specific counties to provide federal-compliant ID documents (like foreign passports or consular IDs) when applying for such licenses. The key change directly affects non-commercial license applicants in those designated boundary counties, waiving a requirement that applies elsewhere in the state. The bill does not alter other license provisions like photo requirements or organ donor registry options.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationThe bill waives standard ID requirements for driver's licenses, making it easier for individuals, including those who may be immigrants without federal-compliant IDs, to obtain them, thus expanding access to a key service.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs

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