Lawmakers Encourage Undocumented Parents to Enroll Children in Free Pre-K Program

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have launched a joint initiative encouraging all New York parents to enroll their children in free preschool programs, regardless of immigration status or income level.

The two progressive Democrats released a Spanish-language infomercial aimed at increasing participation in the city’s universal pre-kindergarten programs. In a social media post accompanying the video, Mamdani described the effort as part of the “fight for universal childcare” in the city.

“Any New York City parent, regardless of your occupation, income or immigration status, is eligible to sign their child up,” Ocasio-Cortez stated in the video. “We’ve made the application process easy, no matter who you are.”

The congresswoman, widely considered a rising star in the Democratic Party and potential presidential contender in 2028, emphasized that “free childcare is one of the most important ways we can make our city more affordable for everyone.” She highlighted that registration assistance is available in over 200 languages to ensure accessibility for New York’s diverse population.

Mayor Mamdani underscored the financial burden childcare places on city residents. “For too long, New York City families have been crushed by the cost of childcare, paying as much as $26,000 per child every single year,” he said. “That is not sustainable, it is not fair, and it is not inevitable.”

The universal pre-kindergarten initiative represents one of several progressive policies Mamdani has championed since taking office. He promised that children whose parents apply by the deadline will be guaranteed placement in 3K or Pre-K programs.

The push for universal childcare comes amid broader national discussions about early childhood education and its role in economic mobility. Research consistently shows that quality early education can have lasting positive effects on children’s development and future academic success. For working parents, particularly those in lower-income brackets, affordable childcare is often crucial for maintaining employment.

However, the initiative arrives as Mamdani faces scrutiny over city finances and program delivery. CNN host Fareed Zakaria recently criticized the mayor’s administration, suggesting that Democratic-led cities like New York are “promising more, spending more, delivering less and pushing off the fiscal problems to some future day.”

The city’s latest budget proposal of $127 billion has raised concerns about fiscal sustainability. Zakaria compared New York’s spending to that of mid-sized nations like Greece or Thailand, questioning whether such expenditure levels are viable for a single city, even one as large and economically powerful as New York.

Critics have also questioned how the city will fund expanded childcare access while maintaining other essential services. The Mamdani administration has proposed various changes to city operations, including modifications to public safety funding, which have generated controversy among different stakeholders.

Supporters of the universal pre-K initiative argue that investing in early childhood education yields long-term economic benefits by enabling more parents to work and preparing children for academic success. They view such programs as essential public infrastructure rather than optional services.

The collaboration between Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez, both standard-bearers of the progressive movement, demonstrates their shared vision for expanded social services in New York. The congresswoman’s involvement also brings national attention to the city’s childcare initiatives.

As application deadlines approach, city officials are encouraging all eligible families to take advantage of the program. The emphasis on inclusivity regardless of immigration status signals the administration’s commitment to serving all New York residents, a stance that aligns with the city’s historical role as a gateway for immigrants.

Neither Mamdani’s office nor Ocasio-Cortez’s responded to requests for additional comment on the initiative or its funding mechanisms.