NEW YORK-A coalition of leading labor unions, businesses, faith, and civic organizations across New York announced the launch of the Ellis Island Initiative. The new coalition aims to transform the state’s approach to integrating migrant families into our communities by shining a light on the economic opportunities for local communities arising out of the state’s historic response to the asylum seekers who have arrived over the last year and a half. Founding members of the coalition include NYS AFL-CIO, The Business Council of New York State, 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, Upstate United, CWA District 1, NYS Council of Churches, The Interfaith Center of New York, United Way of the Greater Capital Region and United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region with new members joining by the day.
While an increased population of asylum seekers in New York has proven challenging for state and local officials, the Ellis Island Initiative believes the influx of migrants is also a once-in-a-generation opportunity to inject new energy into New York’s economy—particularly outside of New York City. The New York State government has invested more than $2 billion toward feeding, housing and supporting migrants—unlocking significant growth opportunities for local businesses that can help meet this major humanitarian need. Additionally, with nearly 460,000 open jobs in New York, many asylum seekers can play a key role in filling these positions and supporting small businesses. Still, there is a need to invest in workforce development for all New Yorkers and help connect new arrivals and native-born New Yorkers alike to the training and connections they need to fill many of these vacancies.
The Ellis Island Initiative aims to meet this moment by bringing stakeholders from across the ideological and political spectrum together to highlight how all of New York’s local communities can benefit from the arrival of these newcomers, and coordinate local stakeholders to develop new, common-sense strategies for incorporating migrants into local economies. For more information, visit https://www.
The Initiative will focus on a set of priorities which include: identifying gaps in workforce development and job training programs to create pathways to quality jobs for all New Yorkers, working with the state to identify potential opportunities for local businesses and nonprofits, convening local stakeholders across the state to develop common-sense approaches to integrating migrants, launching a Volunteer Corps to support new arrivals, and unveiling research on the impact of government investment on asylum seekers and how immigrants shape our economy.
“Like generations of new Americans before them, asylum seekers have come to our country seeking a better life for themselves and their families,” Mario Cilento, President of NYS AFL-CIO said. “Removing barriers to work and providing much-needed workforce training is the best way to help them create their own American dream and build stronger communities throughout the state of New York.”
“As employers work to fill hundreds of thousands of open jobs in New York – particularly Upstate – a key part of the solution is right in front of us. The asylum seekers who’ve arrived over the last year have told us time and time again that they are here to work. They are the embodiment of the American Dream as they pursue safe, stable lives for their families. The Business Council of New York is thrilled to serve as a founding member of the Ellis Island Initiative and expand on our work to ensure businesses in New York have the resources and workforce they need to thrive,” said Heather Mulligan, President & CEO, The Business Council of New York State.
“Welcoming the migrants arriving in our state and preserving New York’s historic role as a beacon of hope for families seeking a better life is a not only moral imperative, but also an incredible opportunity,” Reverend Peter Cook, Executive Director of the New York State Council of Churches said. “The immigrants who have arrived on our shores for centuries consistently add to New York’s unique cultural, economic, and religious tapestry, driving a process of constant renewal that makes us the vibrant, dynamic state that we are. Every time in our nation’s history that we’ve rejected divisiveness and embraced newcomers, we have thrived. The New York State Council of Churches is proud to be a founding member of the Ellis Island Initiative as we aim to reintroduce an old narrative that generous hospitality to immigrants will invigorate our economy and not hurt it.”
“Now more than ever, it is vital that we do all that we can to support the growth and revitalization of local economies throughout Upstate New York,” said Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United. “With the recent influx of migrants, New York is at an inflection point. We should not let partisan posturing overshadow the valuable opportunity that we have in front of us. Handled correctly, the arrival of thousands of new Americans can generate economic growth in our cities, suburbs, and rural communities that uplifts migrants and native-born New Yorkers alike. Upstate United is excited to work with the Ellis Island Initiative to seize this moment and help migrants access the training and connections they need to fill thousands of open jobs throughout our region.”
“For nearly a century, our mission at 1199SEIU has been fighting for good jobs, social justice, and the highest standards of healthcare in New York and across the country,” said George Gresham, 1199SEIU President. “Immigrant workers have always been the backbone of our state’s and our country’s economy. We cannot turn our backs on the thousands of new arrivals in New York. Rather, it is imperative we work together to identify opportunities to support these families who are eager to build a better life for themselves, and who deserve dignity and respect.”
“The Interfaith Center of New York seeks to overcome prejudice and violence through grassroots action with diverse faith leaders. We’ve long advocated for uplifting the immigrant experience as a foundational element of American life and essential to a thriving democracy. This historic moment is an opportunity to build a more just and equitable New York for both recent arrivals and longtime New Yorkers. Immigrants have powered our state for generations and we are thrilled to support the Ellis Island Initiative and the next generation of immigrants who will continue this great American tradition,” said The Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, of the Interfaith Center of New York.
America’s story cannot be told without including the plight of immigrants – sometimes overcoming insurmountable odds – to build a new life while making up large portions of the essential workforce that keeps our economy running and, at the same time, left behind when it comes to wages, housing and equal opportunity,” said Peter Gannon, President & CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. “It is crucial we invest in newly arrived migrants to help them become self-sufficient so they may provide for themselves and their families while adding value to the U.S. economy, not just at workers, but as taxpayers and consumers.”
