The People's Money (2024-2025)

North Shore of Staten Island

Limited English Speakers

Immigrants/ Migrants

Given the increased number of immigrants arriving to New York City since 2022 has placed immense stress on the city's shelter systems, resources, and workforce, with asylum seekers facing numerous challenges, including language barriers, limited access to legal employment, and difficulties integrating into the local economy. As a community with high rates of poverty and limited access to job opportunities, the North Shore is home to many of these newly arrived migrants who are eager to work but face significant obstacles due to language and legal barriers. Research shows that immigrants play a crucial role in revitalizing local economies. According to the New York City Comptroller's Office, immigrants, including asylum seekers, make up 43% of the city’s workforce and contribute significantly to its economic growth. Migrants, once authorized to work, are expected to collectively generate hundreds of millions of dollars in income, with the potential to contribute over $553 million annually if given full-time employment at minimum wage (NYC Comptroller).

ESL For Life is unique because it address the language and employment challenges by providing industry-specific English education and job readiness training to migrant youth and young adults in the North Shore of Staten Island. The participants of ESL For Life are organized is small groups according to the areas of work that interest them (retail, construction, healthcare, etc). They receive specialized language instruction tailored to learning the basic language in those specific areas. Additionally, they receive job readiness workshops (resume building, computer literacy, dress for success, etc), and further support to access a job. Migrants receive proper support in language acquisition and employment readiness are more likely to transition from dependence on city-funded services to self-reliance, reducing the fiscal burden on public resources. As the city continues to face shelter overcrowding and financial strain, empowering migrants to enter the workforce not only benefits the individuals but also strengthens the city’s social and economic fabric.

10310