Pro Bono Perspectives Episode 25: May Malik, NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs

Host Danielle Holly is joined by May Malik, Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), to talk about how the city, local nonprofits and dedicated volunteers are working to promote the wellbeing of immigrant New Yorkers. May details how MOIA addresses its three priority areas – enhancing economic, civic and social integration, facilitating access to justice and advocating for inclusive immigration reform – through a series of programs including IDNYC, We Speak NYC, ActionNYC and the Know Your Rights forums.

May also addresses immigration policy, including a rule change proposed by the Department of Homeland Security, which, if finalized, would expand public charge inadmissibility and result in some immigrants being denied visas, green cards and changes in legal status for using public benefits they are eligible for. She and her colleagues warn of a potential “chilling effect” whereby immigrants withdraw from or forego critical safety net programs for fear of the effect they could have on their immigration status.

To learn more about the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/index.page.