New York City Mayor Addresses Immigration Status for Preschool Programs

New York City’s Mayor Zoran Mamdani made it clear on Friday that children enrolled in the city’s universal preschool and 3K programs will not have their immigration status checked.

“Let me make this perfectly clear: these programs are for all New Yorkers,” Mamdani stated at a media roundtable. “We do not inquire about children’s immigration status.”

He stressed that all children in these programs are New Yorkers, regardless of their place of birth or background. “Every child should have access to 3K and pre-K,” he continued, expressing pride in the city’s designation as a sanctuary city.

This means that ICE agents cannot access schools, hospitals, or other city properties unless they present a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Mamdani noted that, in many instances, ICE does not provide such documentation, and if they do, it’s often just an administrative warrant, which complicates matters.

The mayor had previously mentioned that the program is open to any child turning 3 or 4 in 2026, highlighting the potential for significant savings for families through free childcare.

Continuing, Mamdani emphasized the importance of safeguarding New Yorkers’ rights: “This program is available to everyone. We take pride in our laws and values, which contribute to our safety and identity.”

This clarification came after a reporter inquired about how the city plans to protect families from ICE actions.

Additionally, a recent announcement from Mamdani, in conjunction with Governor Kathy Hochul, detailed plans to expand free and affordable childcare in the city.