State Senator John Liu speaking for the rallyists at the steps of Albany | Photo courtesy of CARE
ALBANY, N.Y. — Hundreds of advocates, impacted families, and state lawmakers converged on the Capitol steps today, calling on New York to fully fund immigration legal services and enact the Access to Representation Act (S141/A270) — a first‑in‑the‑nation bill that would guarantee a right to a lawyer for immigrants facing deportation.
The rally, led by the Campaign for Access, Representation, and Equity for Immigrant Families (CARE) coalition, emphasized that New York’s immigration courts are overwhelmed, with more than 330,000 pending cases statewide. Less than half of those individuals currently have legal representation.
“Our immigration system is nearly impossible to navigate without counsel, and legal assistance should not depend on the ability to afford it,” the coalition said in its public statement promoting the event.
Lawmakers Call for Passage of ARA and BUILD Act
State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, sponsors of the ARA, joined the rally, reiterating that the bill would ensure that any New Yorker at risk of deportation — regardless of income — has access to an attorney.
“Immigration is a central part of New York’s story, yet our immigration courts are in a state of disarray,” said Sen. Brad Hoylman‑Sigal, a leading supporter of the measure. “There are currently around 330,000 cases pending…and less than half of those people have lawyers. This is unacceptable.”
Advocates also pushed for passage of the BUILD Act (A2689/S4538), which would create a dedicated four‑year fund to strengthen the state’s immigration legal‑services infrastructure. The CARE coalition argues that without stable funding, legal providers face annual uncertainty that disrupts ongoing cases and leaves families vulnerable.
$175 Million Funding Demand for 2026 Budget
The coalition and participating lawmakers urged the Legislature to allocate $175 million in the upcoming state budget to expand legal services, citing the growing number of asylum seekers and long‑time residents navigating deportation proceedings.
Attorney General Letitia James, who has previously endorsed the ARA, was referenced repeatedly by speakers who praised her stance that universal representation is essential to keeping families together.
Families and Legal Providers Share Emotional Testimony
Immigrant New Yorkers spoke about the fear and confusion of facing deportation without legal help. One asylum seeker, speaking through an interpreter, said: “Without a lawyer, I had no idea what documents I needed, what deadlines I had, or how to explain my case. I felt invisible.”
Legal‑service providers echoed that sentiment, noting that immigrants with representation are 10.5 times more likely to win their cases.
“We see every day how representation changes lives,” said a representative from the Vera Institute of Justice, a core member of the coalition. “New York must lead the nation by guaranteeing that no one stands alone against a trained government attorney.”
A Broad, Statewide Coalition
The CARE coalition includes the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), Immigrant ARC, the Vera Institute of Justice, labor unions, faith groups, and more than 100 community organizations.
They argue that universal representation enjoys overwhelming public support — more than nine out of ten New Yorkers back government‑funded legal counsel for immigrants facing deportation.
With the legislative session underway, advocates say they will continue mobilizing statewide until the ARA and BUILD Act are passed and the $175 million allocation is secured.
“This is about fairness, dignity, and keeping families together,” Assemblymember Cruz said. “New York has the chance to set a national standard — and we must seize it.”
