Mamdani, AOC Encourage Illegal Immigrants To Enroll In NYC’s Free Childcare Program
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a video this week encouraging illegal immigrants to enroll their children in the city’s free childcare programs, underscoring their continued push to expand public benefits regardless of immigration status.
In the video, delivered entirely in Spanish, Ocasio-Cortez told viewers that “any New York City parent, regardless of your occupation, income, or immigration status, is eligible to sign their child up.” Mamdani briefly addressed viewers, joking that his Spanish was rusty before turning the message over to the congresswoman.
The outreach focused on the city’s Pre-K and 3-K programs, which offer free, full-day education to three- and four-year-olds. Children turning three or four in 2026 are eligible to enroll. While parents are generally required to provide proof of age and New York City residency, the residency requirement can be waived if a parent indicates the child is living in temporary housing.
According to the enrollment form, students in temporary housing, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, are not required to submit documentation including proof of address, date of birth, or immunization records in order to enroll.
“My Spanish is… not very good,” Mamdani wrote in Spanish on X. “But the fight for universal childcare? That’s very good.”
Both Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez have been outspoken defenders of illegal immigrants. Ocasio-Cortez has clashed publicly with border czar Tom Homan over the Trump administration’s detention and deportation policies. Mamdani, meanwhile, appointed an immigration chief who has previously called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Parents can apply for the childcare programs online through the city’s MySchools portal, by phone with interpretation available in more than 200 languages, or in person at Family Welcome Centers.
The expansion of free Pre-K and 3-K programs reflects Mamdani’s broader campaign promises. The self-described democratic socialist ran on pledges to make city buses free and establish city-run grocery stores, proposals that energized younger voters but drew fierce opposition from conservatives nationwide.
Funding those promises has proven more complicated. Mamdani’s proposed budget projects total city spending will rise to $127 billion in the upcoming fiscal year, creating a significant deficit. He has faced backlash for proposing a 9.5% property tax increase to help close the gap.
To avoid raising property taxes, Mamdani has asked Governor Kathy Hochul to approve a 2% tax hike on residents earning over $1 million annually. Hochul has pledged not to raise taxes in 2026, though she did commit $1.5 billion over the next two years to assist with the city’s budget, including support for early childhood programs.
Even with that support, Mamdani has faced mounting criticism since taking office in January. He has been accused of failing to deliver on key campaign promises and drew fire from the left after resuming homeless encampment sweeps that he had previously halted.