The Door Stands with Immigrants and New New Yorkers
Since our founding, The Door has always served the young people who have walked through our doors. Over the course of 50 years, the populations we serve have changed just as New York City has changed. But our commitment is unwavering – we meet the needs of the young people who come to us. We do this work for them.
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The diverse cultures and experiences of immigrants and new arrivals have helped shape New York City. Our community is made up of immigrants and those born elsewhere who have come to the United States from their countries of origin looking for a better life for themselves and their families. They are our neighbors, our friends, and they make this city great. They are also the young people who build their community at The Door. Last year, The Door served more than 1,000 new arrivals. Many came alone. Many lack documentation. Many do not speak English. All came because the risks of building a new home in a new country far outweighed the certainties of their previous lives. They came to build a better future.
On January 21st of this year, in response to threats made by the new federal administration about immigration and undocumented people, The Door’s English as a Second Language classrooms at our Bronx Youth Center were empty. On March 21st, The Door was notified of an immediate, near-total termination of services under the Unaccompanied Children Program, accounting for $4 million and 60% of our Legal Services Center’s funding, which allowed us to act as the legal representation for hundreds of unaccompanied minors. Young people’s futures are at risk.
Young people like Ezra*, who came to the U.S. in April 2023 to escape the civil war in Sudan. He was abandoned by his mother and father, and New York offered hope that his home country couldn’t. Since arriving in New York City, he has lived in shelters for recently arrived immigrants and has worked to build a new life. He came to The Door for legal help and to find a community. With the help of The Door’s Legal Service Center, Ezra has been able to obtain free legal help and applied for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. He is tenacious and committed, attending a High School Equivalency program and working as an electrician.
The Door’s holistic and integrated programming model uniquely supports young people like Ezra. Like many of our young people, the immigrant youth served by The Door often come to us looking for one service and find much more. Many of them find everything they need here to establish their new lives. They build friendships with peers, find support in trusted staff, and strengthen their future through many programs, including our:
Legal Services Center, which addresses the civil needs of young people, and includes providing a variety of legal supports for immigrant and undocumented young people. The dedicated attorneys and staff are a lifeline to young people who live in the United States and fear having to return to a country, home, or family that is unwelcoming, dangerous, or gone.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, which support young people with the core skills they need to navigate their new home, all in pursuit of an education, a career, and a better future.
Arts classes, which are a fun and safe space to build community, regardless of the language a young person speaks. The arts also provide an opportunity for connection with others, helping new New Yorkers find friends and build a supportive community.
Adolescent Health Center, which provides free health care to all young people, regardless of their immigration status or if they have insurance. Many young people have never seen a doctor or a dentist when they visit The Door for the first time, and we support their journey and make sure they understand their rights.
Today, the futures of immigrant youth are uncertain and in jeopardy. In times of turmoil, The Door always turns to our community. We look to our young people to tell us what they need. And we look to our friends and supporters to make sure these services are here for all of the young people we serve today and will serve tomorrow.
You can make a difference in young people’s lives. Donate, Register for Joining in Justice, and stand up against injustices in your community.
*name changed for confidentiality.