New York City, NY

About New York City

The largest city in the US with a vibrant Moroccan community. NYC offers endless opportunities but comes with higher living costs.

Free Immigration Legal Help in NYC

ActionNYC is a city-funded program providing free, safe immigration legal help to all New Yorkers regardless of status. Call the Immigration Legal Hotline at 800-354-0365 or call 311 and say "ActionNYC" (Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 6 PM). Appointments are available in your preferred language.

Services include comprehensive legal screenings, legal representation for a range of immigration cases, and connections to community-based organizations. ActionNYC partners with the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library.

MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers provide additional free services through the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.

NYC Workforce Centers

Workforce1 Career Centers are free, city-operated centers throughout all 5 boroughs offering job search assistance, resume help, interview training, and connections to employers. Services are available to all NYC residents.

Key Locations

• Upper Manhattan: 215 W 125th St, 6th Floor (917-493-7247)
• Lower Manhattan: 199 Church St, 3rd Floor (212-775-3771)
• Brooklyn: 9 Bond St, 5th Floor
• Queens (LIC): 38-81 13th St (718-784-0877)

CUNY (City University of New York) offers workforce development programs, career training, and certificate programs at affordable tuition rates across its 25 campuses.

Moroccan Community in NYC

New York City has a vibrant Moroccan community spread across the boroughs. Astoria, Queens has become a hub for Moroccan restaurants and cafes, including:

• Little Morocco -- Traditional Moroccan specialties in Astoria
• Moroccan Bites by Siham -- Family-run restaurant near Steinway Street
• Dar Lbahja -- Welcoming spot with authentic Moroccan dishes

Brooklyn also has Moroccan dining options, and halal food is widely available throughout the city.

Mosques

NYC has hundreds of mosques. Notable ones include the Islamic Cultural Center of New York (96th St, Manhattan), Masjid At-Taqwa (Brooklyn), and many community mosques in Queens and the Bronx.

Getting Around NYC

The MTA operates subways and buses throughout the city. A single ride costs $2.90. Get an OMNY card or tap your contactless credit/debit card at turnstiles. After 12 trips in a week, the rest are free (fare capping).

IDNYC - Municipal ID Card

IDNYC is a free government-issued ID card available to ALL New York City residents age 10+, regardless of immigration status. It can be used to access city services, prove identity for employment, and comes with free memberships to cultural institutions.

Healthcare

NYC Health + Hospitals provides healthcare to all residents regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. NYC Care guarantees low-cost/no-cost health services for those without insurance. Call 1-646-692-2273 to enroll.

Free English Classes in NYC

The New York Public Library (NYPL) offers three types of free English classes:

• Series-Based English Classes: 10-week sessions at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Three sessions per year plus a summer cycle.
• We Speak NYC Conversation Classes: Drop-in classes with interactive conversation practice. No registration required.
• Citizenship Prep Classes: For those preparing for the US Citizenship Test.

Classes are available in-person and online across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.

CUNY campuses also offer ESL programs at affordable tuition rates, with many locations across all five boroughs.