Senator Jose Peralta Announces State Funding for CIANA to Provide Legal and Other Services to Immigrants

State Senator Jose Peralta announced a $50,000 State allocation to the Center for the Integration and Advancement of New Americans (CIANA), in order to assist the nonprofit in continuing to provide legal representation and other services to immigrants. The Astoria-based nonprofit organization works to prevent the increasing marginalization of refugees and new immigrants.

“Under the current political climate, helping immigrants has become my number one priority. Immigrants built New York, and our doors will always remain open. As we lead the way on so many issues, nobody, not even President Trump, is going to change who we are, a society where hard-working immigrants are welcomed and our values are untouchable,” said Senator Peralta. “My parents came to the United States seeking a better life for their families, and I want to make sure the same opportunities are available for all those who decide to come to our city and state, especially newcomers.”  

Senator Peralta said, “I am very glad I was able to secure $50,000 in State funding that will support crucial services provided by CIANA to help immigrants, money which will fund, in part, legal representation and other services the organization provides to assist immigrants and refugees.”

“CIANA is very excited to be a recipient of funding, made possible through Senator Peralta’s efforts, which will help us to continue to provide vital services to our marginalized immigrant population in the most diverse borough of New York City,” said CIANA Founder and CEO Emira Habiby Browne. “It highlights New York’s history of welcoming newcomers and its tradition of generous compassion and warm hospitality, and underscores the value New York places on strengthening families and helping them succeed.”

CIANA is a decade-old community-based immigrant serving organization, and has developed an integration model designed for marginalized immigrant families and youth coming from highly traditional societies.

Sheeren, a program participant at CIANA said, “We know that CIANA is there for us when we need it. We come here because we feel safe and secure, we are not judged, and the staff and volunteers speak our language and understands us.”

Fatima, another program participant, noted, “CIANA helps families in so many different ways.  Our children love to come to CIANA for tutoring. It is a very friendly and welcoming environment.”