New York Immigration Coalition, Inc.

In 2019, the Trump administration released the final set of public charge regulations that would penalize lawfully present individuals who participate in health insurance, housing, and food security programs, making it more difficult—if not impossible—for immigrants to secure permanent residency.

Confusion, uncertainty, and fear have already spurred many immigrant New Yorkers to drop benefits—even ones not specified in the new public charge policy. In 2017, NYHealth awarded the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) a grant to mitigate the impact of anti-immigrant federal policies on health access and coverage for New York State’s immigrants. NYIC monitored policy changes in real time, analyzed their impact, and shared recommendations for preserving health care access for immigrants with its 175 member organizations, City and State officials, and health care providers. In 2020, NYHealth awarded NYIC a second grant to continue to address new federal policies that restrict health care access and coverage for New York State-based immigrants and their families.

Under this grant, NYIC conducted active monitoring, policy analysis, and public education to mitigate the impact of federal policies on health care access and coverage for New York State’s immigrants. It also provided technical assistance to health care providers, community-based organizations, and legal representatives, better equipping them with accurate information to counter rumors and misinformation. NYIC responded to federal policy changes in real time and determined their impact on New York State, as well as disseminated up-to-date information to immigrant-serving organizations. It also worked with community-based organizations and immigration attorneys, improving the accuracy of information provided to immigrant communities and clients. Finally, NYIC developed alternatives to policies that can inhibit immigrant New Yorkers’ access to health care and coverage. NYIC disseminated its work through webinar recordings, a white paper, opinion pieces, and blog posts on its website. Additionally, it employed a social media strategy for maximum visibility and accessed to listservs reaching State and federal advocates through its partnership with the National Immigration Law Center.