Magdalena Kulicz announces the filing of a complaint at the steps of the court | Photo Miss Immigrant USA Website
NEW YORK — The Miss Immigrant USA, an organization founded in 2018 by Magdalena Kulisz and Shahar Kenan, has filed a federal lawsuit against New York State Assembly Member Steven Raga that centers on alleged political retaliation and suppression of immigrant civic identity
According to the complaint, during a recorded Zoom meeting on December 11, 2024, Raga allegedly pressured Miss Immigrant USA to disaffiliate from one of its immigrant delegates who was politically active while wearing the organization’s sash.
Plaintiffs claim Raga threatened public retaliation if the organization refused to comply. The lawsuit asserts that Raga’s actions violated their constitutional rights to free speech and association under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
The case, Kulisz & Kenan d/b/a Miss Immigrant USA v. Steven Raga et al., was filed on September 3, 2025, with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The presiding judge is Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.
The case was originally filed in the Southern District of New York but was transferred to the Eastern District because Raga resides in Queens County, which falls under EDNY jurisdiction.
In their press release, Miss Immigrant USA describes the case as a historic moment for immigrant civic identity. They argue that “Immigrant” should be recognized as a protected identity, akin to race, gender, or religion, and that this lawsuit defends the right of immigrants to claim that identity without fear of public political retaliation.
They’ve also called on the governor and mayor of New York to act under state and city law, and the U.S. Department of Justice to intervene under 28 U.S.C. § 517 to defend immigrant identity as a matter of national interest.
The Philippine Daily Mirror reached out to Assemblymember Raga for comment. However, his office said they cannot comment on pending litigation.
To view a conversation that took place between Raga and Kenan, which triggered the complaint, please click on this YouTube link.
