Statement of Interest

Statement of Interest
Noncitizen labor disputes
The Statement of Interest request process at the New York State Department of Labor is as follows:
  1. A worker becomes involved in a labor dispute and files a complaint with the New York State Department of Labor.
  2. The worker’s attorney or advocate submits a formal request for a statement of interest letter to the Department of Labor by emailing [email protected].
  3. The Department of Labor will evaluate the Statement of Interest request and will notify the attorney or advocate if we decide to issue a statement of interest letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
    • If worker cooperation is not immediately required upon receiving the request but may be required later, our agency will inform the attorney or advocate and monitor the case internally until worker cooperation becomes necessary.
    • If the worker's cooperation is required to fully investigate the complaint, the Department of Labor will prepare a Statement of Interest to be sent to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  4. If the Department of Labor decides to issue a Statement of Interest, our agency will share the letter with the worker’s attorney or advocate, and we will send a courtesy copy to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  5. If deferred action is granted through this process, the initial period of deferred action and employment authorization will generally be for a period up to four years.
Of Note:
  1. The New York State Department of Labor requires that workers seek an attorney or advocate to make the Statement of Interest request from our agency as their support and guidance is crucial in pursuing deferred action.
  2. Attorneys and advocates may determine that deferred action is not suitable for their clients and therefore may choose not to request a Statement of Interest from our agency. Workers should consult with their attorney or advocate for guidance on available immigration relief options, as the New York State Department of Labor does not provide legal advice.
  3. The Department of Labor issues Statements of Interest at its discretion. 


If a noncitizen worker is involved in a current or ongoing labor dispute, they may learn more about requesting a Statement of Interest by downloading our Statement of Interest information card.

An issued Statement of Interest is only one piece needed for a noncitizen worker to request Deferred Action through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Learn more about the Deferred Action process.

 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that immigrant workers may be granted work authorization and protection from deportation under immigration law, which may also offer discretionary relief like parole in place or deferred action, as well as various types of relief, such as U and T nonimmigrant visas. The New York State Department of Labor may be able to issue a U or T visa certification for immigrant crime victims to support their humanitarian U or T visa application that are processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).