NYC Immigrant Heritage Week 2026
April 16, 2026

Hosted by Refuge America Inc.

CATERING by Eat Off Beat

The Vision

In 1613, Juan Rodriguez became the first recorded immigrant to arrive in what would become New York. In 1907, Ellis Island saw more than 11,000 arrivals in a single day. Today, that spirit of arrival continues—though the journey looks different.

A More Perfect Quilt is a community gathering honoring the layered identities that shape New York: immigrant, queer, seeker of safety, builder of culture. Like a quilt, our city is stitched together by stories of movement, courage, and belonging.

As federal policies shift and refugee pathways narrow, this evening creates space to reflect, organize, and celebrate those who have traveled the furthest to live openly and authentically.

Tracing New York City’s immigration story from Juan Rodriguez to the present day, honoring the waves of people who shaped the city’s civic and cultural identity.

A focused conversation on the realities facing LGBTQIA+ newcomers: legal barriers, chosen family networks, faith, housing, and creative resistance.

Special Guest of Honor

Council Member Elsie Encarnacion (Chair) of City Council’s Committee on Immigration

Council Member Council Member (Co-Chair) of City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Caucus

Sponsors

We are grateful for the partners helping make this gathering possible:

Ally Sponsor: Joyce Bernstein

Funding made possible by The Puffin Foundation Ltd