The “Know Your Rights” page on dos.ny.gov is designed to provide New York State residents—especially immigrants—with essential resources and guidance to protect their rights and access vital services. Here’s a summary of its purpose and content.
Purpose
- To educate individuals about their rights in areas such as immigration, employment, housing, health care, and safety.
- To connect people with free, multilingual assistance and legal resources through the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) and partner organizations.
- To offer practical tools for preparedness, reporting discrimination or fraud, and accessing emergency support.
Key Features
1. Immigration Support
- New Americans Hotline (1-800-566-7636): Anonymous, multilingual help for immigration questions, legal referrals, and fraud reporting.
- Family preparedness guides and legal aid resources.
2. Health & Wellness
- Information on health care centers, insurance eligibility, mental health hotlines, addiction services, and nutrition programs (e.g., SNAP benefits).
3. Employment & Worker Rights
- Job search assistance via NYS Department of Labor.
- Guidance on labor rights and farmworker protections.
4. Safety & Legal Protections
- Reporting discrimination, housing bias, human trafficking, and domestic violence.
- Address Confidentiality Program for victims of violence or stalking.
5. Community Resources
- Food pantries, family support agencies, and kinship care assistance.
- Consumer protection and fraud reporting.
6. Multilingual Access
- Flyers and materials available in multiple languages for broad accessibility.
In short, the site acts as a central hub for rights education and resource navigation, ensuring that all New Yorkers—regardless of immigration status—can access help, stay informed, and protect themselves.