The Statue of Liberty, facing southeast towards the entrance of New York Harbor, welcomes ships arriving from the Atlantic Ocean, symbolizing freedom and opportunity. | Photo by Samu Lopez on Unsplash
NEW YORK—With the theme “NYC: Built by Generations of Immigrants,” the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) launched the 21st annual Immigrant Heritage Week (HW) today to celebrate immigrant New Yorkers who have transformed the city into a global capital of innovation, creativity, and programming.
The annual event kicked off MOIA’s three-month celebration of immigrants, their history, and their contributions, focusing on events showcasing the diversity of immigrant New Yorkers. As part of Immigrant Heritage Week, MOIA will also launch a Language Access Campaign, encouraging all New Yorkers to seek services in their preferred language.
Immigrant Heritage Week in New York City began in 2004, initiated by the MOIA. It commemorates April 17, 1907, when 11,000 immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island—the most significant number recorded daily. The week celebrates the contributions of immigrants to the city’s cultural, social, and economic fabric, highlighting its legacy as a melting pot of diversity.
The week features various events, including cultural performances, literature festivals, and community fairs. These showcase immigrant communities’ rich histories and unique cultures, a vibrant reminder of how the city has been shaped by generations of immigrants from over 200 countries.
“This year’s IHW signature illustration aims to honor the symbol known worldwide that defines our values in New York City, being a city of hope and a place of opportunity to reach one’s own pursuit of happiness while connecting our communities,” said Commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Manuel Castro.
Castro added that these events will run through Immigrant Heritage Week and the national celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month in June. He invites all New Yorkers to join in honoring the legacy of NYC being a city of immigrants.
NYC’s History of Immigration
New York City’s history of immigration has shaped its identity as a global metropolis beginning in the 1600s-1700s. Its roots as a diversity began with Dutch settlers in the early 1600s, followed by English in 1664. The city became a hub for trade and attracted immigrants from Europe, including Germans, Irish, and French.
By the 19th century, it saw a massive influx of immigrants, particularly from Ireland and Germany, driven by famine and political unrest. By the mid-1800s, the city was a primary entry point for immigrants, with Castle Garden serving as the first immigration station before Ellis Island opened in 1892. From 1892 to 1954, Ellis Island became the gateway for millions of immigrants, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe. NYC’s population swelled during this period, and neighborhoods like Little Italy and Chinatown emerged.
Immigration slowed during the mid-20th century due to restrictive laws like the Immigration Act 1924. However, the Hart-Celler Act of 1965 reopened the doors, leading to a new wave of immigrants from Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Today, New York City is home to immigrants from over 180 countries, making it one of the most diverse cities in the world. Immigrant communities continue to enrich the city’s culture, economy, and social fabric.
Filipino-Americans’ Contribution to the Life of the City
Filipinos arrived in New York City in the early 20th century, many as students (pensionados) or seamen. The community grew significantly after the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which allowed skilled workers, particularly nurses, to migrate.
One notable Filipino American in NYC’s Mayor’s Office was Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development. She was the highest-ranking Filipino American official in Mayor Eric Adams’s administration before leaving the office in February 2025. She served in three administrations in the city.
Another prominent figure is Anne del Castillo, the Commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, who plays a key role in supporting NYC’s creative economy.
Both have significantly contributed to NYC’s development, from housing initiatives to bolstering the city’s arts and entertainment sectors. Their leadership reflects the growing influence of Filipino Americans in NYC’s government.
During Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration, Minerva L. Tantoco, a Filipino-American, served as New York City’s first-ever Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Appointed in 2014, she led the Office of Technology and Innovation, focusing on advancing the city’s tech infrastructure and innovation initiatives. Her leadership marked a significant milestone for Filipino Americans in NYC’s government.
Filipino American nurses played a critical role in NYC during the COVID-19 pandemic, often serving on the frontlines in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Despite making up only about 4% of nurses in the U.S., they accounted for a disproportionate 31% of nurse deaths due to COVID-19. Filipino nurses worked in high-risk areas like ICUs and emergency rooms, providing essential patient care during the city’s most challenging times.
Their contributions were vital in addressing the overwhelming demand for healthcare services, but they also faced significant challenges, including exposure to the virus, long hours, and emotional strain. The sacrifices of Filipino nurses highlight their dedication and resilience, as well as the need for better support and recognition for healthcare workers.
Filipino-Americans’ Contributions to the City’s Diversity
Little Manila in Woodside, Queens, is home to “Little Manila,” a hub for Filipino culture. This area features Filipino restaurants, grocery stores, and businesses, serving as a cultural and social center for the community.
The Filipino community celebrates events like Philippine Independence Day with a grand parade in Manhattan, showcasing traditional music, dance, and cuisine. October is also recognized as Filipino American History Month in the city.
Groups like Damayan Migrant Workers support Filipino workers, especially domestic workers, and survivors of labor trafficking. The Philippine Center on 5th Avenue serves as a cultural and diplomatic hub.
Filipinos in the city continue to thrive, contributing to its diversity and enriching its cultural landscape.
Current Immigration Policies Affecting NYC Immigrant Communities
Current immigration policies in the city reflect its historical role as a gateway for immigrants while addressing modern challenges. It remains a sanctuary city, offering protections to undocumented immigrants and ensuring access to education and healthcare. It aligns with its legacy of welcoming diverse populations and fostering inclusivity.
However, policies also intersect with federal immigration laws, which can lead to deportation proceedings for some individuals. This duality—offering sanctuary while navigating federal mandates—creates a complex socio-legal landscape. NYC’s history of absorbing immigrants has shaped its institutions and policies, making it more accommodating than other regions.
Specific policies or their impact on immigrant communities have been implemented to support and protect their immigrant communities, reflecting the city’s history as a sanctuary city. These policies include sanctuary city protections, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. For example, law enforcement does not honor federal immigration detainer requests for individuals without serious criminal records. This policy helps undocumented immigrants feel safer reporting crimes or seeking assistance without fear of deportation.
Immigrants can access essential city services like healthcare, education, and legal aid regardless of their legal status. It ensures that immigrant families can thrive and contribute to the city’s economy and culture,
New York City prohibits Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from making arrests in sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and courthouses. This policy fosters trust between immigrant communities and public institutions.
The city provides free legal assistance to immigrants, helping them navigate complex immigration processes and secure their rights.
Immigrant Heritage Week has a profound impact on immigrant communities in the city. It serves as a platform to celebrate their contributions, resilience, and cultural diversity. By highlighting their stories and achievements, the week fosters a sense of belonging and pride among immigrants. It also provides opportunities for networking, cultural exchange, and community building through various events and programs.
The celebration raises awareness about immigrants’ challenges and promotes initiatives to support them. It underscores New York City’s identity as a city built by generations of immigrants, encouraging inclusivity and understanding.
The Statue of Liberty
The inscription on a bronze plaque inside the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty is from Emma Lazarus’s poem, The New Colossus, which reads:
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
The poem’s message of welcoming “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” resonates deeply with New York City’s history as a gateway for millions of immigrants seeking opportunity and refuge.
The Statue of Liberty symbolizes its role as a beacon of hope and welcome for immigrants arriving in the United States. New York City’s immigrant communities often draw inspiration from this message, seeing it as a reflection of their own journeys and contributions to the city’s vibrant culture and economy.
