The New York State Office for New Americans has expanded hours for its New Americans Hotline, adding weekend service to provide more support for immigrants and families across the state.
State officials announced the hotline — 1-800-566-7636 — will now operate Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in addition to its weekday schedule of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The free service offers information and referrals for immigration-related assistance and is available anonymously in more than 200 languages.
The hotline is managed by Catholic Charities Community Services, Archdiocese of New York through a grant with the state and is staffed by multilingual operators and a full-time immigration attorney.
Walter T. Mosley said the expanded hours are intended to make help more accessible at a time when many immigrant families face uncertainty and fear. He said the service remains free and confidential for anyone seeking guidance or legal referrals.
Callers can get connected to free legal help, including assistance for individuals in immigration detention, as well as information about community workshops, “Know Your Rights” training, family preparedness resources and how to report immigration fraud.
Since January 2025, the hotline has answered more than 21,000 calls and provided over 42,000 referrals, according to the state.
The New York State Thruway Authority will also post bilingual information about the expanded hours at all 27 Thruway service areas to help spread the word to travelers.
Community and advocacy groups, including New York Immigration Coalition and Hispanic Federation, praised the move, saying the added weekend access will make it easier for families to get reliable information and legal support.
The hotline has been a core part of the state’s services for newcomers since it launched in 2012, connecting immigrants to legal aid, English language classes, mental health support and workforce development programs statewide.
