Attorney General James Warns Against Immigration Services Scams and Provides Tips to Protect New Yorkers Following Supreme Court TPS Decision

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert warning Haitian and Syrian New Yorkers with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) about potential immigration services scams and providing tips to protect New York families. On Thursday, June 25, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Mullin v. Doe, allowing the Trump administration to move forward with terminating TPS for hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants. In the wake of this decision and resulting environment of heightened fear and increased immigration enforcement efforts by the federal government, Attorney General James is providing guidance to help TPS holders understand their legal options and protect themselves and their families from potential scams. Attorney General James also reminds New Yorkers that advice for TPS holders from one country may differ from advice for New Yorkers from another and encourages all TPS holders to seek reliable counsel from a trusted source. 

Attorney General James is also calling on Congress to pass legislation introduced by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to extend TPS for Haitians.

“Following the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the federal government to end TPS for Haitian and Syrian immigrants, TPS holders in New York and nationwide are scrambling to find answers,” said Attorney General James. “Too often, bad actors can take advantage of increased fear and anxiety to scam immigrants and their families. I urge Congress to pass legislation to extend TPS, and until then, I encourage all New Yorkers faced with losing TPS to follow our guidance, exercise caution, and seek competent advice they trust.” 

Any change in immigration laws, regulations, or procedures, or even rumors or misinformation about potential changes can lead to widespread fear and confusion that is easily exploited by scammers. Attorney General James reminds immigrant New Yorkers and their families and communities to be vigilant during this time and seek advice with care. While scams are possible, New York is also home to many knowledgeable, dedicated, and ethical attorneys and community-based organizations working to help immigrant New Yorkers. 

Attorney General James urges New Yorkers to consult the following guidance when seeking immigration legal advice: 

DO… 

• Do work with qualified immigration legal providers. Only a licensed attorney or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice is qualified to provide immigration legal advice or representation. You can ask an attorney for their license information and verify their status with the state bar where they are licensed. Accredited representatives can be verified through the Department of Justice’s list of recognized organizations and accredited representatives. 
• Do ask questions and understand what is being done on your behalf. You are entitled to an explanation about what actions are being taken on your behalf and why. 
• Do read all documents carefully before signing. Make sure you understand every document you are asked to sign and ask for a translated copy or interpreter if needed. 
• Do verify anyone who claims to work with a trusted organization. Scammers may falsely claim to be associated with a reputable organization to gain your trust, even potentially generating fake websites or social media pages to appear legitimate. Contact the organization directly to confirm that the person is employed there.  
• Do be cautious even when someone is recommended by a friend or community member. Scammers have been known to trick people into believing they have obtained favorable results in order to get them to recommend the scammers to others. Even if a referral comes from a trusted friend or community member, you should still take steps to verify that you are dealing with a legitimate attorney or legal services provider.
• Do confirm whether government notices, interviews, or hearings are real. Scammers are increasingly impersonating government officials in written communications, video meetings, and even fake online interviews and hearings. Remember that federal government agencies like U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will only contact you through official government channels and will not contact you through your personal social media accounts. Government agencies conduct interviews and court hearings in English with interpreters where needed, not entirely in a foreign language. If you are unsure whether a communication or interview or hearing notice is real, you should consult a reputable immigration attorney or accredited representative.

DON’T…. 

• Don’t trust someone just because they call themselves a “notario.” In the United States, a notary public is not authorized to provide immigration legal advice or services. 
• Don’t assume social media advertisements are legitimate. Scammers will often advertise immigration services on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or conduct communication exclusively by WhatsApp messaging. This kind of advertisement or outreach is not necessarily a scam, but should prompt you to investigate further. 
• Don’t work with someone who only communicates through messaging apps. A provider who conducts all business through WhatsApp or other messaging platforms may be a red flag. 
• Don’t sign blank forms or blank pages. Never sign anything that has not been completed or that you have not reviewed.
• Don’t believe anyone who guarantees a specific result. Be especially wary of anyone who promises they can guarantee immigration status, secure work authorization, or get your loved one out of detention on bond quickly or easily.
• Don’t comply with urgent online payment requests. Be cautious of urgent demands to wire money to bank accounts or through online payment apps for legal services, immigration fees, or bond payments. This sort of request for a virtual payment can be a sign that someone is trying to scam you. 

Any New Yorker who thinks they have been the victim of an immigration scam in connection with immigration legal advice or services, or who wants to confirm that they are working with competent counsel, can seek assistance by calling the Office of New Americans (ONA) hotline: 1-800-566-7636. 

Both ONA and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) can provide referrals to competent legal support: 

• ONA: 1-800-566-7636  
• MOIA: 1-800-354-0365  

New Yorkers looking for help with family planning in case a family member is detained or deported are encouraged to consult the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) online guide to family planning resources.  

For additional guidance related to immigration and immigrants’ rights, please consult the OAG website. 

Nos Quedamos Inc. - Join Us - We Are Melrose Celebration!

 

RSVP BECAUSE YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS OUT!

For the past 9 years, We Stay/Nos Quedamos has proudly hosted our annual We Are Melrose (WAM) Festival, a celebration of Melrose’s culture, people, history, and the lived experiences that make our community strong.

This year, on July 11th from 2PM–6PM at Yolanda Garcia Park (409 E. 159th Street), we will come together for our 10th Annual We Are Melrose Festival with this year’s theme: The Fight for Preservation!

As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize an important moment for our community. The future of our affordable housing, neighborhood identity, and community voice depends on our collective commitment to preserving what we have built together. The Melrose Urban Renewal Plan, a framework that has helped protect affordability, community participation, and the character of our neighborhood, is set to expire in 2034.

This moment is an opportunity to honor our legacy, recognize the power of residents, and continue building a future where decisions about Melrose are shaped with the community, by the community, and for the community.

Most importantly, WAM is a day of joy, connection, and celebration. Join us for live performances, music, giveaways, community resources, delicious food, and the chance to celebrate the people who make Melrose home.

Click the button below to RSVP — We can’t wait to celebrate We Are Melrose with you!

Save Your Spot Now!

Go Green: Everywhere! Coming This August

Make sure you mark our calendars because we aren't done yet. Our 4th annual International Youth Day, Go Green: Everywhere! is happening August 8th, from 2 pm - 5 pm, the location coming soon. You’ll hear from our amazing summer youth organizers sharing reflections on their experience doing community organizing, getting to get with resources, and more!  

Mamdani Administration Recovers $2.3 Million for Workers in Major Labor Rights Crackdown

 

DCWP Secures Restitution for More Than 1,600 New York City Workers  

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine announced settlements against Walgreens, Allstar Security & Consulting, Calzedonia (Intimissimi) and Kinship Coffee for violating New York City’s worker protection laws.  

  

The four companies will pay a combined $2.1 million in restitution to more than 1,600 workers, along with more than $218,000 in civil penalties and costs. Since the start of the Mamdani administration, DCWP has secured more than $10.1 million in restitution for New York City workers.   

  

“When a company shorts a worker on their schedule or their time off, that worker pays for it — missing their kid’s pickup, losing a shift they were counting on, scrambling to find childcare with two days’ notice,” said Mayor Mamdani. “These laws exist because working families deserve stability on the job. If corporations choose to break them, they will pay what they owe.”  

  

“Everyone’s time is valuable but too often, workers are treated as if theirs isn’t,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “I’ve spent my career fighting for workers to get paid what they’re owed and to be treated with basic dignity on the job. Respect for workers’ time is about both. When an employer drops a schedule on their workers without notice or punishes them for not being able to take a last minute shift, it’s an abuse of power. And with these actions, we are sending a clear message that it’s against the law.”  

  

“For too many workers, receiving a work schedule at the last minute or being wrongly denied time off can disrupt child care arrangements, interfere with educational opportunities, and make it harder to make ends meet,” said DCWP Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. “The Fair Workweek and Protected Time Off Laws were enacted to provide workers with the stability and predictability they deserve. These actions will provide over two million dollars to workers whose rights were violated and serve as a reminder that DCWP will continue taking decisive action against employers, including national corporations like Walgreens, that violate workplace protections.”    

  

Walgreens will pay more than $1.6 million in restitution to more than 570 workers at three Brooklyn stores, along with $163,000 in civil penalties. DCWP found the company failed to provide workers with 72 hours’ advance notice of work schedules and required employees to work additional hours without the notice or consent mandated under the Fair Workweek Law, among other violations. Allstar Security & Consulting will pay $270,000 in restitution to more than 900 workers, plus $30,000 in civil penalties and costs, after failing to provide paid protected time off required under the City’s Protected Time Off Law.   

  

Calzedonia, owner of SoHo-based lingerie retailer Intimissimi, will pay more than $154,000 in restitution to more than 50 workers, along with more than $15,000 in civil penalties and costs. The company violated the Fair Workweek Law by failing to provide 72 hours’ advance notice of schedules, requiring employees to work additional hours without proper notice or consent and canceling shifts with insufficient notice.   

  

Kinship Coffee will pay more than $67,000 in restitution to more than 90 workers, along with more than $9,000 in civil penalties and costs, for violating the City’s Protected Time Off Law at three Queens locations.   

  

NYC Worker Protection Laws   

  

DCWP enforces New York City’s Fair Workweek Law, which gives retail and fast-food workers more predictable schedules and compensation for certain schedule changes, helping workers better balance work, family and school. Research shows that among the 10 jurisdictions nationwide with fair workweek protections, New York City workers have experienced the greatest improvements in scheduling stability due to DCWP’s enforcement of the law.   

  

For retail workers, New York City employers must:   

  

•   Provide work schedules at least 72 hours in advance. Not schedule on-call shifts.  

•   Not cancel scheduled shifts with less than 72 hours’ notice.   

•   Not require employees to work additional hours with less than 72 hours’ notice unless the employee voluntarily agrees.   

 

For fast food workers, employers must:   

  

•   Provide regular schedules that remain consistent week-to-week.    

•   Post schedules at least 14 days in advance.   

•   Pay required premiums for schedule changes and “clopening” shifts.   

•   Allow workers to decline additional shifts and “clopening” shifts.   

•   Offer additional regular hours to existing employees before hiring new staff;   

•   Not terminate workers or reduce their hours by more than 15% without just cause.    

•   Reinstate laid off employees by seniority when hours become available.   

 

DCWP also enforces the Protected Time Off Law, formerly known as the Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law. Covered employees are entitled to up to 40 or 56 hours of time off each year, depending on employer size, as well as unpaid protected time off and paid prenatal leave.   

  

Workers who believe their rights have been violated can https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/worker-rights.page file a complaint by visiting nyc.gov/workers. Complaints may be filed anonymously regardless of immigration status, and employers are prohibited from retaliating against workers who exercise their rights.

 

DCWP is the nation’s leading municipal enforcement agency, charged with delivering economic justice, bringing New Yorkers real economic relief and protect them from predatory, deceptive and unfair practices that violate their rights as consumers and workers. This includes pioneering cutting-edge protections for New Yorkers, such as the City’s Consumer Protection Law, Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and Delivery Worker Laws. Across New York City, DCWP levels the economic playing field by licensing more than 45,000 businesses in over 45 industries and providing essential services including free tax preparation and financial counseling to ensure New Yorkers keep more of what they earn and can plan for their futures. This work ensures that New York City is a fairer, more affordable place to live for all.  For more information about DCWP and its work, visit DCWP at nyc.gov/DCWP or follow on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 

Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare for Heavy Rain and Urges New Yorkers to Exercise Caution Due to Potential for Flash Flooding

Heavy Rainfall Expected for Long Island, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Southern Tier With Flood Watches Currently In Place

Risk For Flash Flooding Has Been Elevated To Moderate With A 70 Percent Chance For Flash Flooding; Water Rescue Teams Being Staged in Mid-Hudson Later Today

Widespread Rainfall of Two to Four Inches of Total Rainfall Expected Downstate Through Monday Evening; Localized Totals Up to Five Inches of Rain Possible

Rainfall Rates Could Reach One to Two Inches Per Hours, Possibly Up to Three Inches Per Hour in Some Areas

Mid-Hudson and Long Island Continue To Recover From Strong Thunderstorms Last Night; More Than 82,000 Power Outages Statewide Due to Storms

New Yorkers Can Text Their County or Borough to 333111 To Receive Real Time Emergency and Weather Alert Texts Directly to Their Phone

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed state agencies to prepare for heavy rains and urged New Yorkers to exercise caution due to the potential for flooding. Starting this afternoon, rain will move in across New York State through Tuesday morning. Total rainfall amounts of two to four inches, with localized totals up to five inches, are possible for New York City, portions of Long Island, the Mid-Hudson and the Southern Tier. Heavy rainfall rates of up to one to two inches per hour can lead to flash flooding, especially in urban and poor drainage areas and if heavy rain repeatedly impacts an area. Some localized hourly rainfall rates may exceed more than three inches per hour. The risk for flash flooding has been elevated to moderate with a 70 percent chance for flash flooding. There is also a risk for severe thunderstorms today for New York City and portions of Long Island and the Mid-Hudson. Flood watches are currently in effect for Long Island, Mid-Hudson and New York City.

“I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect heavy rainfall with a high potential for flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies have been readied and mobilized to respond to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers in the path of the storm.”

The Mid-Hudson and Long Island are currently recovering from a line of strong thunderstorms that rolled through late last night resulting in downed trees and loss of power. There are currently more than 82,000 outages across the state with outages peaking at 115,000 last night. The State’s Department of Transportation has been working with utility companies to clear trees and debris to ensure safe access for utility workers to begin work on restoration. Some road closures are still in effect due to debris removal and utility work — New Yorkers are urged to follow all local guidance on closures.

Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Tips to stay safe when there is the potential for flash flooding:

Before and During the Storm

• Stay Informed: Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.
• Follow Instructions from Local Officials: If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait — follow all orders promptly.
• Do Not Walk, Swim or Drive Through Floodwaters: One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don't Drown!”
• Know your evacuation route and how to get to higher ground.
• Know your area's type of flood risk — visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
• Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors.
• Have an emergency go bag ready to grab for you, your family and your pets that includes any medications you may need.
• Check in with elderly neighbors or those who may have mobility issues.
• Do not touch downed power lines.
• Keep your phone charged.
• Keep a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

After Flood Waters Have Receded

• Wait until an area has been declared safe before entering. Be careful driving, since roads may be damaged and power lines may be down.
• If your home or apartment has been flooded, DO NOT turn on electrical appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances.
• Throw out any medicine or food that may have had contact with flood waters.
• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days.
• Do not touch downed power lines.

For more preparedness information and safety tips from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, visit dhses.ny.gov. The National Weather Service website also includes Flood Safety Tips. 

Mayor Mamdani Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Heavy Rain, Flash Flooding Ahead of Monday Morning Commute

 

Mayor mobilizes full emergency response, clearing catch basins, inspecting flood-prone neighborhoods and contacting residents in basement apartments 

 

Specialized emergency teams, including the Downed Tree Task Force and Tow Truck Task Force, on standby 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) today urged New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain, thunderstorms and localized flash flooding beginning Sunday evening and continuing through Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Isolated thunderstorms may develop between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday before becoming more widespread overnight. While the greatest risk of heavy rain and flash flooding is expected during Monday’s morning commute, particularly between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m., more scattered thunderstorms could still trigger localized flash flooding in some areas into Monday evening. 

 

The City is urging New Yorkers to take the following precautions: 

•   Limit travel during heavy rain and thunderstorms. If you must travel, exercise caution and never walk or drive through floodwaters. Take public transit whenever possible.  

•   If you live in a basement apartment, ground-floor home or an area that has flooded before, make a plan now. Know where you will go if your home starts to flood, whether that’s a neighbor on a higher floor, a nearby public building or the home of a friend or family member. Safe overnight locations are available in every borough by calling 311. Sign up for basement alerts at on.nyc.gov/basements. 

•   During high winds, stay indoors if possible, avoid downed power lines and trees and secure outdoor furniture, trash bins and other loose items.  

•   Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or trapped by rising water. 

•   Sign up for emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692. 

•   Report downed trees, blocked catch basins and other non-emergency hazards to 311. 

•   Visit http://nyc.gov/beready for emergency preparedness guidance. 

 

“City workers are doing everything possible to prepare for this storm — clearing catch basins, inspecting flood-prone neighborhoods, reaching out to New Yorkers living in basement apartments and positioning emergency response teams across the five boroughs,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Now it’s time for all of us to do our part. Limit travel if you can, plan for delays and take these warnings seriously. If heavy rain begins, if the winds pick up or if you hear thunder — get inside and wait out the dangerous conditions. Check on your neighbors, especially anyone living in a basement apartment, to make sure they have a plan and the information they need to stay safe.”  

 

“As we’ve seen in recent storms, flash flooding can develop quickly and create dangerous conditions with little warning,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “We’re expecting periods of heavy rain to especially impact the Monday morning commute and continue through the day, so New Yorkers should plan ahead, allow for extra travel time and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC and avoid driving or walking through flooded streets.” 

 

NWS has issued a Flood Watch through 6 a.m. Tuesday. Forecasters expect multiple rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms capable of producing two to three inches of rainfall across much of the city, with isolated areas receiving up to six inches where storms repeatedly track over the same locations. Rainfall rates could reach two to three inches per hour, creating the potential for rapid flash flooding, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods and areas with poor drainage. 

 

The greatest flood risk is expected 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, when additional bands of heavy rain are forecast to move across the city. Flooding could affect streets, underpasses, highways and other low-lying areas. Strong thunderstorms may also produce wind gusts capable of bringing down tree limbs and blowing unsecured outdoor objects. 

 

Ahead of the storm, Mayor Mamdani activated the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan, directing City agencies and partners to take proactive steps to reduce flood risks and coordinate emergency operations. 

 

NYCEM is coordinating with the NWS, City and State agencies, utility providers and private-sector partners. Specialized emergency teams and equipment are positioned throughout the city and ready for rapid deployment if conditions worsen. 

 

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and Department of Transportation (DOT) are inspecting and clearing catch basins in flood-prone neighborhoods. The NYPD is preparing for potential street flooding and will have tow trucks staged in every borough to respond to stranded vehicles. The Downed Tree Task Force is on standby to respond to fallen trees and large limbs. NYCEM’s 24/7 Watch Command is monitoring conditions around the clock and coordinating the City’s response in real time. 

Bear Mountain, James Baird Closed Due to Storm Damage

 

Rockland Lake State Park, Tallman Mountain State Park pools also closed today due to power outage

Bear Mountain State Park and James Baird State Park are closed indefinitely after storm damage. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation continues to assess damage after holiday storms.

Bear Mountain SP is closed due to a water main break caused by an uprooted tree during last night’s storm. The park is without water and cannot accommodate visitation today.

Additionally, the Rockland Lake State Park and Tallman Mountain State Park pools will be closed today due to a power outage.

James Baird SP and Golf Course is closed today and tomorrow due to storm impacts that include no power, internet or phones. Additionally, Taconic State Park, Rudd Pond have no power, internet or phones. 

Dawson Playground Reconstruction Reaches Completion In Longwood, The Bronx

 

NYC Parks has completed a $2.8 million reconstruction of Dawson Playground in Longwood, The Bronx. The capital improvement project was funded through the Mayor’s Community Parks Initiative, modernizing the playground with new recreational amenities, accessibility upgrades, landscaping, and infrastructure improvements designed to better serve local families and the surrounding community.

New play equipment for children across two age groups was installed alongside a swing set featuring bucket, strap, and accessible seats. A colorful octagonal spray shower anchors the playground’s central gathering area, which includes new seating and rubber safety surfacing. Additional upgrades include decorative security lighting, improved utility systems, a new perimeter fence with two entrances, expanded benches, and repaved sidewalks.

Elsewhere on the site, a shared fence with the adjacent Wishing Well Community Garden was lowered to improve connectivity, while a new pedestrian link was created to the nearby schoolyard gate. Adjacent schoolyard basketball courts were resurfaced and outfitted with new polycarbonate backboards, and landscaping improvements included enlarged tree pits, transplanted trees, new plantings, and additional shrubs.

Funding for the reconstruction came through the Community Parks Initiative, which invests in parks located in historically underserved neighborhoods that have not received significant capital improvements in at least two decades.