The rally came as Democratic lawmakers appealed the decision striking down the 2021 law.

Kagan and Malliotakis voiced their push outside of P.S. 264 in Bay Ridge.  They specifically named Mayor Eric Adams and Council Member Justin Brannan - Brannan for being a co-sponsor of the 2021 legislation and the mayor for the city's appeal.

The 2021 law allowed noncitzens living in New York City for at least 30 days to vote in local elections. That meant noncitizens could vote for mayor, City Council members and other city positions, but not state or federal positions.

The strikedown happened in 2022 when a New York state judge ruled the city's law violated the New York Consititution.

Kagan and Malliotakis were joined by neighbors, some who were also immigrants.

"We're all American," said Marina Kot, an immigrant from Ukraine who arrived in the United States roughly 30 years ago. "We love people, but we need people (to) come legally here."

Malliotakis said there was a hearing at an appellate court back in July over the appeal. She added they should hear an outcome soon.