Times Square exhibition celebrates immigrants amid Trump administration attacks

Large photographs in New York’s Times Square are putting immigrant workers and families at the center of one of the city’s busiest public spaces.

The campaign, titled “New York Proud,” features construction workers, merchants, educators, writers and artists. The images aim to highlight immigrants’ contributions to New York’s culture, economy and identity as the Trump administration intensifies attacks on the community.

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Immigrants drive our city, our businesses, our institutions, from the corner bodega to the nearest emergency room.

Venezuelan photographer Oscar B. Castillo produced the photographs for the third time in partnership with the New York Immigration Coalition, the nonprofit Photoville and Times Square Arts. The exhibition will remain in Times Square through Sept. 7 before moving to The Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn.

Murad Awawdeh, president and chief executive of the New York Immigration Coalition, said immigrants support the city’s businesses and institutions, from neighborhood shops to emergency rooms. He said the campaign gives real people and their stories a visible presence.

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We are here fighting to improve, for a dream, to grow, to contribute and, at this specific moment, many times and practically, to survive.

Castillo, who emigrated from Venezuela six years ago, said each face in the exhibition represented hundreds of thousands of people with similar experiences. He described immigrants as working to improve their lives, pursue their dreams, grow and contribute, while also struggling to survive amid the current immigration policy.

The photographer said the project took several months and was intended to recognize immigrants’ achievements with love, respect and support. He called for unity, understanding, an end to stigma, and stronger ties across the community. Times Square Arts Deputy Director Christina Daniels said the location draws more than 350,000 visitors each day.

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We invite people to stop, look closely and see immigrants as they really are: our neighbors, co-workers, caregivers, business owners, artists, friends and family.