State Funding Will Help Double Program and Service Capacity
Expanded Facility to Amplify Services, Empowering New York's Immigrants to Thrive
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that renovations are underway at Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC) as part of a $2.8 million expansion project. Located on Katonah Avenue in the Bronx, EIIC is a non-profit organization that provides free programs and services to the Irish Diaspora and immigrants from over 130 countries, reaching approximately 35,000 clients annually. Supported by $750,000 in capital funding from New York State, the project will modernize and expand the facility, significantly broadening EIIC’s service offerings and extending its reach to meet the needs of New York's diverse immigrant communities.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Emerald Isle Immigration Center plays an invaluable role in the lives of immigrants facing complex challenges navigating the immigration system. By providing high-quality legal and social services, the Center supports immigrants with the knowledge and support to profoundly impact their lives and families. ESD is proud to support the Center as they continue this crucial work."
Emerald Isle Immigration Center Executive Director Siobhan Dennehy said, "While the days of 'Irish Need Not Apply' may be behind us, the needs of our Irish Diaspora, and the newest New Yorkers from around the globe remain urgent. Emerald Isle Immigration Center is on the front lines. We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul, Empire State Development and all of our funders for sharing this vision of compassion and community-based services."
Empire State Development supported the project through a $500,000 capital grant, recommended by the New York City Regional Economic Development Council, as well as a $250,000 grant from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. Funds for the project were also contributed by the New York City Council, The Irish Government Department of Foreign Affairs, The US Congress, The Tara Circle and individual donors.
Established in 1988 in Woodside, Queens, Emerald Isle Immigration Center first served the needs of the significant Irish Diaspora focusing on immigration and nationalization. Now it serves New Yorkers from over 130 nations from two locations with a full suite of free, vital services. Emerald Isle provides legal assistance and educational programs, empowering immigrants to navigate complex systems, become citizens, and thrive in American society. The renovation project in the Bronx will transform EIIC's space into a state-of-the-art, fully accessible facility, dramatically enhancing its capacity to serve the community.
The project involves adding a third floor, refurbishing the underutilized second-floor space, and installing an elevator, which will more than double the available area for programs, activities, and events. Upon completion, the Center will feature four floors dedicated to a diverse range of uses, including a modern training lab and library, private consultation rooms for clients, and expanded office space. These enhancements will boost the Center’s ability to deliver comprehensive services, foster meaningful community engagement, and create a supportive environment for all. It is expected to be completed by winter 2024.
Consul General of Ireland in New York Helena Nolan said, "The Government of Ireland and the Consulate of Ireland in New York are delighted to contribute towards this project and to support the Emerald Isle Immigration Center as it future-proofs its facilities and continues to provide much needed services for the community of New York. The support of the State and individual community members is a clear testament to the central place that the EIIC holds in the fabric of this city."
Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D., said, "It’s incredible to see the funding I helped secure for the Emerald Isle Immigration Center to expand and renovate their community facilities hard at work. Delivering resources to our communities and helping to meet the needs of our neighbors has been my number one priority. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside Emerald Isle to secure this funding and I thank them for their hard work and commitment to our community."
State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey said, "Emerald Isle Immigration Center has been a pillar in the community, providing essential immigration services and critical resources to aid so many of our neighbors here. We are grateful that Empire State Development is providing funding for this crucial expansion project to better aid the needs of the community. The expansion of the physical space will permit Emerald Isle to broaden their already vast array of services and create new innovative ways to serve our community. This truly is a critical and important investment and I would like to thank Governor Hochul and ESD for this necessary investment in the development of our community."
Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said, "I am thrilled to see the $2.8 million expansion project at the Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC) in the Bronx come to fruition. I am confident that upon its completion, the enhanced Emerald Isle Immigration Center will play an even more vital role in strengthening our community fabric and promoting economic security for all. I commend Empire State Development and all the partners involved for their commitment to advancing initiatives that uplift and empower our immigrant population. We are building a stronger, more inclusive New York for future generations."
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, "The Emerald Isle Immigration Center has served as a support hub for Irish-Americans, immigrant New Yorkers, and the Woodlawn community for years, and with this expansion, they will be equipped with the resources to extend their reach even further. I want to congratulate the Emerald Isle team for their leadership and we look forward to the completion of this important project."
NYCREDC Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, City University of New York Chancellor and William D. Rahm, Senior Managing Director at Centerbridge Partners, said, "The Emerald Isle Immigration Center serves as a guiding light for immigrant communities, empowering them with the essential tools and resources they need to flourish in their new home. The NYCREDC recognizes the importance of the Center's work in fostering a welcoming environment where immigrants can thrive, strengthening the very foundation of our shared prosperity. By investing in the success of immigrant populations, we are investing in a brighter future for all New Yorkers."
Emerald Isle Immigration Center Board Chairman John Tully said, "We are very excited to see that this much needed upgrade to our Katonah Avenue center will soon be a reality. This grand facility will ensure our ability to continue to serve the Woodlawn community. Beyond the essential immigration services that our staff has ably provided for decades, we will be better positioned to enhance the social services we are well known for and provide a gathering place for our Woodlawn community. We are forever grateful to our government and generous private donors."
Former NYC Council Finance Chair and EIIC Treasurer Daniel Dromm said, "This funding will provide the Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC) with much needed support for its capital expansion program. With the renovation already underway at the Bronx location, I look forward to its completion so that the EIIC can continue to provide the excellent services for which they are renowned. EIIC provides highly reputable and thorough services to NYC’s rich immigrant communities. Thank you to Empire State Development for providing this funding and believing in our mission."
Emerald Isle Immigration Center plays a vital role in supporting immigrants to navigate complex systems, thrive in their new home, and contribute meaningfully to the social and economic fabric of their communities. New York State's support for organizations like EIIC underscores the importance of supporting those on the frontlines of serving diverse populations that bridge gaps between communities and opportunities, fostering greater inclusion, economic security, and shared prosperity for all New Yorkers.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit regionalcouncils.ny.gov and esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Emily Mijatovic | [email protected] | (212) 803-3692