Governor Kathy Hochul has taken a historic step toward equity and inclusion by signing legislation requiring New York State to separately recognize Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities in demographic data collection.

The new law mandates state agencies to create distinct categories for MENA groups, enabling more accurate representation and paving the way for tailored policy solutions.

“We’re so proud that communities from across the globe call New York home,” said Governor Hochul. “Reviewing accurate data is a key starting point when crafting public policy. By ensuring that Middle Eastern and North African communities are accurately represented in state data collection, we’ll be able to identify ways to support this community going forward.”

The legislation (S6584C/A6219B) establishes specific categories for MENA communities, including Egyptians, Moroccans, Yemenis, Palestinians, Iranians, and others. This change is expected to address long-standing disparities in access to resources and representation.

Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris emphasized the importance of accurate data, stating, “Miscategorizing a New Yorker’s race is not only offensive but has real-world impacts on services and resources particular communities receive. I am proud the Governor is signing this critical legislation to recognize and dignify New York’s Middle Eastern and North African communities.”

Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, the bill’s sponsor, highlighted the historic neglect of MENA communities, saying, “By not including categories for these various communities in the Census and not disaggregating the data in our state institutions, the needs of neighbors have been unaccounted for. This will allow us to better serve MENA communities as a government and to offer them the resources they need and deserve.”

Assemblymember Nader J. Sayegh, the first Jordanian-American elected to the New York State Assembly, celebrated the law as a milestone for his community. “Now, Middle Eastern and North African constituents can finally be recognized and have their needs met by their representatives,” he said.

Assemblymember Catalina Cruz called the law “a monumental step toward equity and accurate representation,” while Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles stressed the urgent need for change: “The only right action to address these disparities is to change our practice of obscuring their existence and experience by classifying them all as white.”

Rana Abdelhamid, Founder of Malikah, expressed her excitement: “This is a much-needed and long-awaited step toward ensuring that MENA New Yorkers are counted, seen, and supported. This effort has significant civil rights and equity implications, but we know this is just the beginning.”

Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Vice President of the Yemeni American Merchants Association, celebrated the recognition of over 10,000 Yemeni-American businesses in New York. “This is a win for Arab and North African communities,” she said.

Murad Awawdeh, CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, called the law “a historic milestone,” adding, “By including MENA communities in these crucial conversations, New York affirms their voices can shape policies that directly impact their lives.”

The law is widely regarded as a turning point for MENA communities in New York, marking a commitment to ensuring every group is seen, counted, and supported. Advocates see it as a foundation for future efforts toward equity and representation in public policy.