Bitta Mostofi, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, issued a statement, on Feb. 18, in response to U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D-CA) unveiling the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021.

The bill would create a pathway to citizenship for approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants, most of whom have been long-standing, essential members of various U.S. communities. The bill also places a strong emphasis on the integration of immigrants by increasing access to citizenship, strengthening labor protections, addressing naturalization and other backlogs, expanding access to legal counsel, providing grants for legal services, expanding caps on immigration, and other important steps on immigration action.

Mostofi said that as the ultimate city of immigrants, New York has always known that immigrants are essential. She described the U.S. Citizenship Act as the bold action needed to rebuild an immigration system that is consistent with the country’s values. “It’s also essential to meet the needs of our communities, keep families together, and ensure an equitable pandemic recovery,” she said. “We applaud the Biden administration for taking this crucial step and urge Congress to expeditiously pass the U.S. Citizenship Act to bring long overdue relief to our immigrant families and communities.”

To connect with City-funded, free and safe immigration legal help, New Yorkers can call ActionNYC at 1-800-354-0365, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To report immigration fraud, call the @NYSNewAmericans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636. pic.twitter.com/NHTVI5hJ7Y

— NYC Immigrant Affairs (@NYCImmigrants) February 18, 2021

According to the most recent estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, 31.7 percent of the population of the Bronx is foreign born.

Mostofi said that as the country celebrates the introduction of the bill, New Yorkers should be mindful of immigration-related scams, particularly when it comes to paperwork.

Join CARECEN-NY for FREE CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION HELP on February 23rd!

Call 516-489-8330 Ext. 0 to make an appointment TODAY! pic.twitter.com/QglnQwDJJi

— NYS New Americans (@NYSNewAmericans) February 18, 2021

“There has not yet been any change in law, which means there is no new visa or application to fill out,” she said, adding that New Yorkers can connect with City-funded, free and safe immigration legal help by calling ActionNYC at 1-800-354-0365, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, to report immigration fraud, she said those affected should call the New York State Office for New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636.