Today, Faiza N. Ali, Commissioner of the NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), kicked off the 22nd annual Immigrant Heritage Week (IHW) with the theme “Immigrants Power New York.” Immigrant Heritage Week marks the beginning of MOIA’s three-month celebration of immigrants, with a focus on events showcasing the diversity, vibrancy, and economic contributions of immigrant New Yorkers.
“New York is a city built by working people. Generations of immigrant families helped build the neighborhoods that gave this city its character and strength," said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “This is why economic justice steers our focus in 2026. Immigrant New Yorkers are not separate from our economy; they are central to it. Their full participation in the workforce, their protection on the job, their access to good work, financial services, and city resources, and their protection from fraud and exploitation are all essential to a fairer and stronger New York.”
“Immigrant laborers have been integral to the story of New York. Their heritage and the sacrifices of hard work define the very nature of our never-sleeping city." said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “Our administration will continue to fight for the respect and fair treatment of all NYC workers as we celebrate immigrant heritage this week and every day.”
“More than 3 million immigrants call New York City home and are at the heart of our workforce and economy," said MOIA Commissioner Faiza N. Ali. “As a daughter of Pakistani immigrant New Yorkers, I am proud to celebrate all the ways immigrant workers play a central role in the daily lives of New Yorkers. This year’s theme speaks to the physical labor and contributions that immigrant New Yorkers make to move, build, and give life to our city. It’s an honor to begin my tenure as the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs under Mayor Mamdani by prioritizing and uplifting our NYC immigrant workers."
Immigrant Heritage Week 2026 marks the beginning of MOIA’s three-month celebration and tribute to the history and contributions of New York City’s immigrant communities, specifically highlighting their profound impact on our economic landscape. This Immigrant Heritage Week, MOIA's signature illustration reflects how immigrants are the driving force of New York, and the interconnectedness of our workers and all who call New York City home.
Immigrant New Yorkers are central to the city's workforce and drive New York City’s economy. MOIA’s 2025 Annual Report showed households led by undocumented immigrants paid approximately $96.7 billion in total taxes, $37.3B in state and local taxes and $59.4B in federal taxes. Last year, the city’s top industries employing immigrant workers included restaurants and other food services, construction, home health care services, general medical and surgical hospitals, and elementary and secondary schools. Immigrants work in industries across academia, business, finance, transportation, health, education, government, and more.
For Immigrant Heritage Week 2026, MOIA will host a series of immigrant heritage celebrations and events in partnership with community-based organization that all New Yorkers are encouraged to attend. To access immigrant heritage artwork and events, visit www.nyc.gov/
“Immigrant New Yorkers are the driving force behind our city’s economy: they are our healthcare workers, street vendors, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and everything in between - and are essential to keeping New York City running,” said NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kenny Minaya. “This Immigrant Heritage Week SBS is more committed than ever to ensuring that immigrant New Yorkers have access to the resources they need to succeed. From career services at our Workforce1 Career Centers and NCLEX-RN training programs for foreign-trained nurses, to our NYC Business Express Service Team that makes it easier than ever to start a small business, we are proud to celebrate and uplift the immigrant communities that form the pillars of our city.”
“The strength of New York City lies in its people, and our immigrant communities are at the very heart of that strength,” said NYC Department of Consumer Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. “Our message to all New Yorkers is clear. DCWP is here for you, regardless of immigration status— holding predatory companies accountable, winning real economic relief for consumers and workers, and saving families their hard-earned money.”
“Immigrants have been key to the growth and success of New York City throughout its 400-year history. Fleeing persecution and seeking opportunity, waves of newcomers in the 19th century made the city an industrial capital. Immigrants built the city’s infrastructure—the bridges, buildings, roads and parks. Those same workers created unions to protect their rights and require safe working conditions. In the 1980s, immigrants powered revitalization of the city. And today, immigrants make the city the most diverse place on the planet. At the Department of Records and Information Services, we preserve and share the historical records documenting these contributions,” said Department of Record and Information Services (DORIS) Commissioner Pauline Toole.
“New York has always been a city of immigrants, making it one the most vibrant, diverse cities in the world,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin. “Immigrants continue to be key to the city's growth, success, and culture. Investing in the health and well-being of immigrant New Yorkers helps our whole city and country thrive. That's why it’s our mission to protect and promote the health of all New Yorkers, without exception.”
"New York is an international city," said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Diya Vi. "From newly arrived residents to immigrant communities who have been here for one, two, or seven plus generations, the breadth of cultural traditions and contemporary music, dance, art, food, and fashion brought here by immigrants keeps NYC — and the arts and cultural field especially— connected to the world. I’m grateful every day to live and work alongside these culture bearers who contribute in profound ways to our economy and the vibrancy of everyday life in our city."
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