At New York Comic Con, a discussion about an educational comic book focused on what immigrant students and families could take from its pages into their everyday lives.
The October 8 panel at the Javits Center examined how Know Your Rights uses illustrated stories to explain information about encounters with immigration authorities, family preparedness and available support.
The session brought together writer Alex Segura, New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, Project Open Arms leader Tamara Mair and Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Faiza N. Ali.
Showing Situations Readers May Face
Know Your Rights follows fictional characters through situations involving immigration enforcement. Panelists described the scenarios as drawing on real experiences, giving readers an opportunity to consider encounters they or their families might face.
Much of the discussion centered on why comics work for this material. Pictures and dialogue allow readers to follow an encounter and the decisions made within it. Speakers emphasized the importance of understanding information beforehand so it is easier to remember during a stressful moment.
The format also gives students and family members material they can read and discuss together. Panelists connected that shared reading experience with the importance of families seeing themselves represented in educational resources.
Reaching Families in 14 Languages
Language access was a priority. Mair said the comic was available digitally in 14 languages, including English, describing that reach as an important part of making the publication accessible to the school community.
The discussion also addressed representation: students should be able to recognize themselves and their families in the stories intended to help them.
New York City Public Schools provides links to the language editions through its Project Open Arms resource page.
Family Preparedness and Classroom Access
The panel extended beyond individual encounters to family preparedness. Speakers highlighted the comic’s material about making a plan, along with the additional resources included in its back pages.
They described the publication as one resource within a broader partnership between New York City Public Schools and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. Mair encouraged educators to direct families seeking immigration assistance to their school principals and ask to be connected with Project Open Arms.
Classroom distribution was another part of the discussion. Panelists outlined plans to send classroom sets to middle and high schools during the 2026–27 school year, giving educators printed material to use alongside the digital editions.
At a convention devoted to comics and popular culture, the session examined an educational use for the medium: helping families understand information they can discuss, revisit and use to seek further assistance.
Opening Day at the Javits Center
Away from the panel room, cosplayers posed throughout the convention center. These photographs offer a separate look at the October 8 setting surrounding the day’s programming.
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