Importantly, it was low-income immigrants themselves who brought this issue to the fore more than ten years ago, and who have championed the rights of limited English proficient New Yorkers ever since. Grassroots direct action, legal work, federal and state civil rights complaints, participatory action research, legislative advocacy and community organizing have transformed New York City and won significant expansions of civil rights for immigrant New Yorkers.

Yesterday's victory proves that, despite the prevalence of ugly and xenophobic rhetoric that vilifies immigrants and ignores their contributions to our society, sustained organizing work can win proactive and substantive policy change that benefits millions.

Hopefully, other cities will follow New York's lead and work to create government infrastructure that can effectively communicate with and serve all their residents.