Key Takeaways
• Make the Road New York announced 22 layoffs at May 2025 end, mainly affecting Queens staff.
• Layoffs follow a union contract ratified in March 2025 amid financial crisis and funding cuts.
• Executive pay cuts of 10% and 5% accompany layoffs to ease budget pressures.
On May 30, 2025, Make the Road New York, a well-known immigration nonprofit based in Queens, announced it would lay off 22 employees at the end of May. This decision, coming just two months after workers ratified a new union contract, has sparked anger among staff and union representatives. Many of those losing their jobs are based in Queens, an area with one of the largest immigrant populations in New York City. The layoffs have raised serious questions about the future of immigrant services in the borough and the stability of nonprofit organizations working under tough financial and political conditions.
What Happened: Layoffs at Make the Road New York
Make the Road New York is one of the largest immigrant advocacy groups in the city, providing legal help, education, and social services to thousands of people each year. On May 30, 2025, the organization announced that 22 employees would be laid off, with most of the affected staff working in Queens. The layoffs are effective at the end of May.
The timing of the layoffs is especially notable. In March 2025, workers at Make the Road New York, represented by a local chapter of the United Auto Workers, ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. This contract was the result of a unionization drive that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, as staff pushed for better pay and working conditions.
Just weeks after the contract was signed, employees received an email on March 27, 2025, notifying them of possible layoffs and reduced hours. After two months of discussions, the organization confirmed the layoffs would go ahead.
Why Did the Layoffs Happen?
According to Make the Road New York’s leadership, the layoffs are a “painful decision” made necessary by budget problems. The organization says it is facing a funding crisis, with less money coming in from federal sources and increased costs. To show they are sharing the burden, executive directors have agreed to a 10% pay cut, and deputy directors will take a 5% cut.
The organization strongly denies that the layoffs are meant to punish union activity. In a public statement, Make the Road New York said it remains committed to serving immigrant communities and is working closely with the union to manage the situation.
However, many unionized workers and outgoing staff believe otherwise. They argue that the timing of the layoffs—right after the new contract was signed—suggests retaliation against the union. Marilyn Mendoza, a former education justice organizer who was laid off, has been a vocal critic, demanding that the organization respect the contract and the unionization effort.
The Bigger Picture: Funding Crisis and Federal Policy
The situation at Make the Road New York is not unique. Across the United States 🇺🇸, immigration nonprofits are facing similar problems. Federal funding for immigrant services has been cut, and the current administration under President Trump has increased enforcement and scrutiny of organizations that help immigrants.
Other groups, such as Church World Service, have also announced mass layoffs in recent months. Experts say this is part of a national trend, with many nonprofits struggling to keep their doors open as money dries up and the need for services grows.
Unionization in the nonprofit sector is also on the rise. More workers are organizing to demand better pay and job security. But when organizations face financial trouble, it can be hard to keep those promises. This creates tension between staff and management, especially when layoffs happen soon after union contracts are signed.
Impact on Immigrant Communities in Queens
The layoffs at Make the Road New York will have a direct effect on immigrant communities in Queens and across New York City. With fewer staff, the organization will not be able to provide as many legal, educational, and social services. This comes at a time when many immigrants are already struggling with increased federal enforcement, fewer resources, and uncertainty about their future.
For many people in Queens, Make the Road New York is a trusted source of help and information. Losing staff means longer wait times, fewer programs, and less support for those who need it most. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these cuts could leave thousands of families without access to legal advice, English classes, and other critical services.
Timeline of Events
To understand how things reached this point, it helps to look at the timeline:
- Pandemic Era: Staff at Make the Road New York begin to organize a union, citing overwork and low pay.
- March 2025: Workers ratify a new union contract after months of negotiations.
- March 27, 2025: Employees are notified by email about possible layoffs and reduced hours.
- Late May 2025: After two months of talks, the organization confirms the layoffs will happen at the end of May.
- May 30, 2025: The layoffs and executive pay cuts are publicly announced.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Different groups have responded in different ways to the layoffs:
- Make the Road New York Leadership: Leaders say the layoffs are necessary to keep the organization running in the long term. They point to executive pay cuts as proof that everyone is sharing the pain.
- Unionized Workers: Many staff members and union representatives believe the layoffs are meant to weaken the union and break the new contract. They say the cuts will hurt both workers and the immigrant community.
- Immigrant Community: People who rely on Make the Road New York for help are worried about losing trusted advocates and having less access to important services.
- Sector Experts: Observers say the layoffs are part of a larger trend, as nonprofits across the country face funding cuts and increased pressure from federal policies.
Service Reductions and Community Impact
The most immediate effect of the layoffs will be a reduction in services. Make the Road New York has long provided:
- Legal help: Assistance with immigration forms, deportation defense, and citizenship applications.
- Education programs: English classes, job training, and youth programs.
- Social services: Help with housing, health care, and food access.
With fewer staff, all of these services will be harder to access. Immigrants in Queens, many of whom are already facing tough times, may find it even more difficult to get the help they need.
For example, someone needing help with a USCIS immigration form might have to wait longer for an appointment or may not be able to get help at all. This can lead to missed deadlines, lost opportunities, and increased stress for families.
The Role of the Union and Ongoing Disputes
The union representing Make the Road New York workers is not giving up. Union leaders are contesting the layoffs, arguing that they violate the spirit of the new contract. They are demanding that the organization stick to its promises and protect workers’ rights.
Further legal or labor actions are possible. The union may file complaints or seek support from other labor organizations. This dispute could set an example for other nonprofits facing similar challenges.
Executive Pay Cuts and Cost-Saving Measures
In response to criticism, Make the Road New York’s executive directors have agreed to a 10% pay cut, and deputy directors will take a 5% cut. The organization says these measures are part of a broader effort to save money and avoid even deeper cuts to staff and services.
However, some critics argue that these pay cuts are not enough to make up for the loss of 22 jobs. They say the organization should have found other ways to balance the budget without hurting frontline workers.
Recent Expansion and Financial Strain
Despite the current financial problems, Make the Road New York opened a new 24,000-square-foot community center in Corona, Queens, in February 2025. This expansion was meant to provide more space for programs and services, but it also added to the organization’s costs.
Some staff members question whether the timing of the expansion was wise, given the funding crisis. Others say the new center is a valuable resource that will help the community in the long run.
Federal Policy and the Nonprofit Sector
The broader context for these layoffs is a tough federal policy environment. Under President Trump, the United States 🇺🇸 has seen increased immigration enforcement and cuts to funding for organizations that help immigrants.
Nonprofits like Make the Road New York are under more pressure than ever. They must do more with less, even as the need for their services grows. Many are turning to advocacy and lobbying, hoping to convince lawmakers to restore funding and change policies that hurt immigrant communities.
What’s Next for Make the Road New York and the Sector?
The future is uncertain for Make the Road New York and other immigration nonprofits. The union is fighting the layoffs and pushing for the contract to be honored. More legal battles or labor actions could follow.
If federal funding remains uncertain, there could be more layoffs or service cuts in the months ahead. Nonprofits across the country are bracing for tough times, and many are working together to push for policy changes.
Advocates warn that the loss of staff and resources could have long-lasting effects. Immigrant communities may have less access to legal help, education, and social services. This could make it harder for families to stay together, find work, and build better lives in the United States 🇺🇸.
Resources for Affected Workers and Community Members
If you are affected by the layoffs or need help with immigration issues, here are some resources:
- Make the Road New York:
- Website: maketheroadny.org
- Main Office: 92-10 Roosevelt Ave, Queens, NY 11372
- Phone: (718) 565-8500
- Union Representation:
- United Auto Workers Local (contact through UAW regional office or Make the Road NY union chapter)
- Labor Rights and Immigration Policy:
- NYC Central Labor Council: [email protected]
- Worker Institute at Cornell ILR: [email protected] (Arianna Schindle), [email protected] (Natalia Navas)
- USCIS Office Closings and Immigration Forms:
- For updates on federal immigration office operations and forms, visit the USCIS official website.
Sector-Wide Implications
The layoffs at Make the Road New York are a warning sign for the entire nonprofit sector. As reported by VisaVerge.com, many organizations are facing the same challenges: less funding, more demand, and increased pressure from federal policies. The rise in unionization shows that workers want more say in how organizations are run, but financial instability makes it hard to guarantee job security.
Experts say that unless there is a change in federal policy or an increase in funding, more nonprofits may have to make tough choices. This could mean more layoffs, fewer services, and greater hardship for the communities they serve.
Conclusion: A Difficult Road Ahead
The story of Make the Road New York’s layoffs is about more than just one organization. It reflects the struggles of many nonprofits trying to serve immigrant communities in a time of shrinking resources and growing need. The dispute between management and unionized workers highlights the challenges of balancing financial reality with the promise of fair treatment and strong services.
For immigrants in Queens and across New York City, the loss of staff at Make the Road New York means less help at a time when it is needed most. As the sector faces ongoing uncertainty, the future of immigrant advocacy and support remains at risk.
Actionable Takeaway:
If you or someone you know needs help with immigration issues, reach out to trusted organizations, check for updates on official government websites, and stay informed about your rights and available services. The situation is changing quickly, so staying connected to reliable sources is more important than ever.
Learn Today
Layoffs → Termination of employees due to financial or organizational reasons, often reducing staff numbers.
Union Contract → A legally binding agreement between employees and employers setting work terms and conditions.
Funding Crisis → A situation where an organization faces severe shortages in expected financial resources.
Nonprofit Organization → An entity operating not for profit but to serve public or community interests.
Collective Bargaining → Negotiation process between union representatives and employers to establish workplace agreements.
This Article in a Nutshell
Make the Road New York revealed 22 layoffs at May’s end, stirring union conflict and community concern over immigrant services, amid funding cuts and a recent union contract. Executive pay cuts aim to mitigate financial strain, though staff fears retaliation persist, threatening vital legal and social immigrant support in Queens.
— By VisaVerge.com
