| Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash
New York City has a long and eventful history. Over 400 years, we have had our ups and downs. However, New Yorkers’ resiliency has prevailed throughout the years, and our city’s fundamental values have remained constant. We are stronger because of our diversity. Everyone who decides to build their life here becomes part of our city’s economy and vibrant culture. We are all New Yorkers together: anything that affects one of us affects us all.
We know that the present moment is one of great change and that many of our communities may be experiencing heightened anxiety. I want to reassure you that our city’s government and hundreds of thousands of public servants are here for you, working around the clock. Please continue to make use of the many resources that New York City offers.
To our immigrant communities: continue to send your children to school, seek medical care, and report crimes for the safety and well-being of yourself, your family, and New Yorkers at large.
New York City’s commissioner at the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) works directly with immigrant communities to ensure they know their rights when dealing with federal immigration enforcement. Please visit MOIA’s website for help with questions and to familiarize yourself with guidance.
Our city is a place where all New Yorkers can be themselves—regardless of where they come from, the language they speak, their religion, gender, or sexual identity. We stand with our immigrant communities and our entire LGBTQ+ community, including trans and gender-nonconforming New Yorkers. For more information and support for yourself or your loved ones, please see our Unity Project.
In addition to teaching our kids to read and write, New York City Public Schools helps foster respect and acceptance among our youth through our inclusive curriculum. Our schools offer instruction to young people regardless of immigration status. You can apply for 3-K and Pre-K and entrance to other grades now. As the summer approaches, we continue with our Summer Youth Employment Program, which offers paid work experience to youth ages 14 and 24. The deadline to apply is February 28. Please apply now.
“Among the many reasons New York City remains the greatest city in the world is our diversity, our respect for each other, and our tolerance for those who are different from us. I want to remind you that discrimination is illegal in New York City.”
The health of every New Yorker also affects our city’s strength and resiliency. As we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines help prevent the spread of disease and keep us all safe. Regardless of insurance or immigration status, New Yorkers of all ages can receive key immunizations at low or no cost. These include vaccines for COVID-19, the flu, polio, and measles. Make an appointment today and keep your loved ones and our city safe.
Women’s health care continues to remain a priority, for those who need reproductive care, safe, confidential, and legal abortion services are available by calling 1-877-692-2482 or by visiting the Health Department’s Abortion Access Hub.
Remember that the many changes around us can be stressful. That is why our city offers free online therapy for teens ages 13 to 17 through TalkSpace. New Yorkers of all ages can call 988 to receive free, confidential mental health care for anxiety, depression, crisis counseling, substance use, and more.
Among the many reasons New York City remains the greatest city in the world are its diversity, our respect for each other, and our tolerance for those who are different from us. I want to remind you that discrimination is illegal in New York City. Our state constitution and City Charter forbid discrimination based on gender, race, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, origin, creed, military status, citizenship, religion, or disability.
Please be kind and respectful toward your neighbors and expect the same kindness and respect for yourself. I have faith in our great city to become even stronger and more resilient as we continue to be a beacon of hope and a place where people from all over the world and from all walks of life come to build a new life.
