Asylum Seekers
These programs and services connect newly arrived migrants to the resources they need to build workforce skills, find jobs, and put down roots in the city, including legal support and ESOL classes.
More than 210,000 migrants have arrived in New York City since the spring of 2022, many of them crossing the border to seek asylum in the United States. Large numbers are sheltered in downtown hotels near Trinity Church. We believe every New Yorker, no matter how long they’ve been here or where they come from, is our neighbor. It’s our joy to follow Jesus’s instruction to “welcome the stranger.”
Children’s Fall/Winter Clothing Drive
Help keep our tiniest new neighbors warm this season
Local hotels that house asylum seekers are filling with families, including many mothers with infants and toddlers. They’re coming to Trinity’s Compassion Closet with little more than the clothes on their backs. As fall approaches, we’re seeing an urgent need for long-sleeved onesies, sweatpants, and other winter clothes: will you help? Buy these essential items on our Amazon wish list and Trinity will match your generous donation.
Programs at Trinity
Legal Clinic
Friday, 11:30am–2pm
September 27–December 6
Seeking legal counsel on immigration law, help with applications, or a consultation with an attorney? This clinic will help new arrivals navigate the complex immigration system and empower them to seek safety, stability, and self-sufficiency.
General Education Development (GED) Tutoring
Monday and Wednesday, 10:30am–12pm
September 23–December 11
OSHA Training
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am–3pm
September 30–October 18
October 28–November 12
Food Handlers Course
October 11, 18, and 25
9am–3pm
Drug and Alcohol Awareness (OSHA)
Friday, November 11
9am–2pm
Site Safety Supervisor Certification
November 18, 19, 21, and 22
9am–3pm
Support for New Arrivals
NYS Office for New Americans
This state government office connects new arrivals with a large network of programs and providers. Services include citizenship classes, ESOL classes, workforce development, and more.
Visit website
Immigration Hotline: 800-566-7636
Make the Road New York
Make the Road New York combines adult education, civic engagement, health access, legal services, leadership development, and school programs to assist immigrant communities.
Brooklyn: 718-418-7690
Queens: 718-565-8500
Staten Island: 718-727-1222
Long Island: 631-231-2220
Westchester: 914-948-8466
African Communities Together
ACT helps African immigrants find free or low-cost assistance with immigration, jobs, and other needs. Each year ACT helps hundreds of African immigrants with free, high-quality immigration legal services. They also provide free referrals to trustworthy nonprofit and government agency partners.
Visit website
Phone: 347-746-2281
Arab-American Family Services
AAFS supports Arab and Muslim immigrants through legal screenings, citizenship classes, ESOL courses, and voting registration assistance.
Visit website
Bronx: 718-508-1220
Brooklyn: 718-250-5035
Manhattan: 212-602-2800
Queens: 718-575-4500
Staten Island: 718-697-4300
Legal Aid Society
The Legal Aid Society provides comprehensive, high-quality immigration assistance to low-income New Yorkers. The Immigration Law Unit (ILU) provides direct legal representation in a variety of relevant matters and engages in affirmative litigation. Legal Aid also produced a Know Your Rights page with accessible answers to common questions.
Visit website
Phone: 212-577-3300