Adriano Espaillat, U.S. Congressman representing New York’s 13th district since 2017, has recently addressed constituents on social media regarding support for families as students return to school and concerns about access to housing information for Spanish-speaking Americans.
On August 22, 2025, Espaillat posted: “I’m proud to join Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia and other local officials to support families as students return to the classroom. Make sure to swing by! https://t.co/5U7JPc0ayx”.
The following day, he drew attention in both Spanish and English to a recent policy change affecting millions of Americans seeking housing assistance. On August 23, 2025, Espaillat wrote: “Mientras enfrentamos una crisis de vivienda asequible en todo el paÃs, el HUD de la administración Trump ha eliminado su página en español, dejando a millones de estadounidenses sin información, sin recursos y obligados a valerse por sà mismos. https://t.co/ZeCjbm9fvt”. He continued in English: “As we face a housing affordability crisis around the nation, the Trump administration’s HUD has removed its Spanish language page leaving millions of Americans without information, resources, and to fend for themselves.”
Espaillat’s comments reflect ongoing challenges related to affordable housing across the United States. The removal of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Spanish-language webpage during President Trump’s administration has been criticized by advocates who argue it limits access for non-English speakers during a period when many are seeking guidance on affordable housing options.
Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic in 1954 and currently residing in Manhattan at age 68, Espaillat is notable as the first formerly undocumented immigrant to serve in Congress. He previously served in both chambers of New York’s state legislature before being elected to represent New York’s 13th congressional district—succeeding Charles Rangel—in Washington D.C.
