Thousands March and Rally to Support Immigrant New York on International Migrants Day, A Month Before the Inauguration of President-Elect Donald Trump, New Yorkers, including Elected Officials, Advocates, and Community Members, Pledge to Protect Immigrants from Anti-Immigrant Policies

NEW YORK (December 16th, 2016) -  On Sunday, December 18th, over 60+ diverse organizations representing immigrant rights and advocacy, legal services, labor, faith, civil rights, LGBTQI, women’s rights, and anti-violence groups, joined by New York’s elected officials, will rally and march in The March for Immigrant New York , on the globally observed International Migrants Day . Thousands of New Yorkers are expected to attend, pledging to help protect and defend immigrants in this time of great fear and uncertainty. Elected officials, DACA recipients, refugees, Muslims, and immigrants at risk of deportation will speak at the rally, sharing their stories, and calling on New Yorkers regardless of immigration status to stand together.  WHY: Immigrants are under attack. Hate crimes in NYC more than doubled since Trump's election, and hate crime reports are up across the United States. Politicians are using anti-immigrant rhetoric to stir up nativist hatred, xenophobia and bigotry.  In addition to this growing threat of violence, immigrants will soon face the policies of a firmly anti-immigrant administration that has promised to separate millions of families, strip individuals of their DACA protections and scapegoat refugee and Muslim communities.  On International Migrants Day on Sunday, December 18th, the New York Immigration Coalition , Make the Road New York, their member organizations, and the 60+ diverse sponsors will throw their full power and energy behind defending the rights and humanity of all New Yorkers. (See below for full list).  VISUALS : Large signs saying “I Pledge to Protect Immigrant New York” and “I Love Immigrant New York” will be visible throughout the crowd.   WHERE : Dag Hammarskjold Plaza (E. 47 St. bet. 1 Ave. and 2 Ave)  WHEN : Sunday, December 18 (Rally starts 1pm sharp; March starts at 2pm)