New Americans Initiative

For more than 100 years, New York City's YMCA has embraced New Americans, beginning with our settlement projects on Ellis Island in 1909 to the present. Our New Americans Initiative is a safe haven for immigrants looking for support and services. We never turn anyone away—or inquire about immigration status.

From English language classes to cultural integration and citizenship preparation courses, the services our centers offer help immigrants reach their goals and integrate into American society, while contributing their skills and values to New York City communities. Immigrants recognize what the Y represents around the world—opportunity, community, and social services for all.

While the city is ever-changing, what remains constant is the Y's commitment to being a steadfast anchor for immigrants seeking to fulfill their American dreams. Today the YMCA remains unwavering in this work.

• 5,000+ Newcomers and their families supported annually

• In 2019, supported over 350 individuals on their pathway to Citizenship

• 99 countries from which new Americans have immigrated

Our work on behalf of new immigrants depends on the generosity of our supporters. Donate today to help immigrants fulfill their American dreams.

Donate Now

The Citizenship Preparation program provides opportunities for students to learn about the United States naturalization process. Citizenship classes teach the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills needed to complete naturalization forms and pass the naturalization interview. Citizenship students learn about: The rights and responsibilities of U.S citizenship, U.S. History, U.S. Government, and Civics.

Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 AM - 12 PM

Requirements for Enrollment:

• Must have a working computer/laptop/smartphone/tablet with internet access

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Have a working knowledge of English (Intermediate)
   

To register or obtain additional information, please contact newamericans@ymcanyc.org

The ESL program is designed for non-native speakers seeking to improve proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English. ESL coursework will expand students’ knowledge of American customs, culture, and civics.

Schedule: 

• Chinatown Intermediate ESOL (Tuesday and Thursday): 6-9PM
• Flatbush Beginners/Intermediate ESOL (Monday and Wednesday): 9 AM–12 PM or 1-4 PM or 6-9 PM
• Flushing Beginners ESOL (Monday through Thursday): 9 AM–12 PM (Aged 55 years old and/or above ONLY)
• Harlem Beginners/Intermediate ESOL (Monday through Thursday): 9 AM–12 PM or 5:30-8:30 PM

Requirements for Enrollment:

• Must have a working computer/laptop/smartphone/tablet with internet access
• Must be at least 16 years old and not be required to be enrolled in school.
   

To register or obtain additional information, please contact newamericans@ymcanyc.org

This ESL Civics is focused on participants’ participation and civic engagement in the United States (i.e., community engagement, volunteerism, leadership opportunities, workforce development, US laws and citizens’ rights, voting, etc.)

Schedule: Monday and Wednesday, 9 AM - 12 PM

Requirements for Enrollment:

• Must have a working computer/laptop/smartphone/tablet with internet access
• Must be at least 18 years old 
• Have a working knowledge of English (Intermediate/Advanced)
   

To register or obtain additional information, please contact newamericans@ymcanyc.org

IET class combines occupational skills training with contextualized English Language Learning to increase the educational and career advancement of participants via Food Handler or Microsoft Office Specialist certification.

Schedule

Chinatown

• Food Handler Certificate Course – Beginners/Advanced (Monday through Thursday): 6-9 PM
• Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate Course – Intermediate (Monday through Wednesday): 6-9 PM

Flushing

• Food Handler Certificate Course – Beginners/Intermediate/Advanced (Monday through Thursday): 9 AM–12 PM or 1-4 PM or 6-9 PM
• Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate Course – Advanced (Monday and Wednesday): 1-4 PM or 6-9 PM

Requirements for Enrollment:

• Must be at least 16 years old and not be required to be enrolled in school.
• Have a working knowledge of English (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced)
• Be committed to completing the course (Food Handler Certificate is 10 weeks; Microsoft Office Specialist is 6 months to 1 year)

To register or obtain additional information, please contact newamericans@ymcanyc.org

The New Americans Initiative, in partnership with free and reliable legal service providers throughout New York City, welcomes you to email newamericans@ymcanyc.org if you are in need of the following: (bulleted list:  Adjustment of Status; Naturalization Assistance (Citizenship Applications); DACA Questions/Renewals; TPS Questions/Renewals; Refugee support; Asylum support and other immigration related issues).