On First Day of New School Year, NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Shares Resources for Immigrant Families and Students

OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 10, 2026
Contact: Benjamin Fang-Estrada, bfang@moia.nyc.gov 

City reminds immigrant families that every child has the right to a free public education and expands outreach on Know Your Rights resources

NEW YORK – Today, on the first day of the 2026-27 school year, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) is sharing critical resources and information with immigrant families and students to help ensure every child can begin the school year safe, supported and ready to learn.

Every child in New York City, regardless of immigration status, has the right to a free public education in the school district where they live. New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) does not ask students or families to share their immigration status. Through NYCPS Project Open Arms, NYCPS also provides immigrant families with access to academic, social-emotional and language-based support.

In the lead-up to the first day of school and throughout the school year, MOIA has expanded community outreach and distributed Know Your Rights resources in multiple languages to help ensure immigrant families know what to do if they encounter federal immigration enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), near their home, workplace or child’s school.

“Today, we are sending a simple and unequivocal message to every immigrant family in New York City: You belong here, you are welcome here, and your city stands with you,” said MOIA Commissioner Faiza N. Ali. “The first day of school should be filled with excitement and possibility. But we know that for many immigrant families, it can also bring fear and uncertainty. That is why we are making sure families have access to trusted information, Know Your Rights resources and support in the languages they speak. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and be able to learn and thrive, and we will continue working to make sure immigrant families have the support they need every step of the way.”

“Our schools are and will always be safe spaces for all students,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. “As Chancellor and as an immigrant myself, I’m committed to ensuring our immigrant families and students know that NYCPS welcomes every child. As we prepare for an exciting new school year, I look forward to continuing our work with our city partners at MOIA to connect families with the resources they need to support their students’ success.”

New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, can call the free and confidential Immigration Legal Support Hotline, available in their language, at 1-800-354-0365 or by calling 311 and saying, “Immigration.”

The Hotline operates during the following hours:

• Monday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month

MOIA encourages New York City families to know their rights and use the following resources:

• Protect Your Family and Know Your Rights from New York City Public Schools
• Immigrant Parents and Caregivers: Be Prepared by Updating Emergency Contact Information
• Red Cards and Yellow Cards to Know Your Rights if ICE is at Your Home or Workplace
• What to Do if a Family or Friend is Detained by ICE
• Know Your Rights Comic Book if You Encounter ICE

*Each resource is available in multiple languages