Mayor Eric Adams has chosen controversial former city council member Laurie Cumbo to lead the Department of Cultural Affairs even after she made remarks decried as anti-immigrant. Natalia Aristizabal, deputy director of immigration advocacy group Make the Road New York, said she was disappointed with Cumbo’s appointment and called it part of a pattern to elevate “intolerant political loyalists instead of listening to our communities.” In 2015, Laurie Cumbo took flack for expressing concern over what she called “blocs” of Asian residents moving into public housing in her district. Asian American elected officials, including then-council member Margaret Chin of Manhattan, said her comments “divided” the city. As the new cultural affairs commissioner, Cumbo will direct hundreds of millions of city funds to arts organizations and nonprofits. THE CITY
In other local immigration news..
ICYMI: Here’s the Spanish Version of Documented’s Guide to Pro-Bono Lawyers and Free Legal Immigration Services in New York
📍 Documented Original
Immigration cases of all kinds can be financially taxing and detrimental to the welfare of the individuals and families involved. It is estimated that fees to resolve an immigration case range between $370 and $12,000, while U.S. Customs and Immigration Services applications can cost hundreds of dollars more. This is why we recently updated our list of pro bono lawyers and legal immigration services. While it is not required for someone facing immigration proceedings to have legal representation, it is highly recommended. Find the guide in Spanish, and in English, on Documented. Due to the high demand, some of the organizations listed may or may not be taking new cases. We recommend calling ahead of time and asking for information.
