The real heroes of aiding the thousands of asylum seekers who have arrived in New York City these months from Texas are not to be found in the corridors of City Hall, not in front of the television on a weekend, but in boots on their feet, such as Rosanna Cruz of the Good Shepherd organization.
“We’re giving them food, clothing, help with housing information, and even long-term services like health insurance and emotional stability for the family,” Cruz says.
Cruz says her community work has increased dramatically since the immigration crisis began. In a short time he learned that the primary need of the newcomers was and still is legal.
“Some get appointments from USCIS, some from ICE, or we have Brooklyn Legal Services attorneys who provide legal services or information,” adds Rosanna Cruz.
It is also of great importance that new immigrants get identification!
Jhoiner Sereno, an asylum seeker, faces many obstacles in finding work:
“Right now I need that ID card, because they ask me for it at work.”
But it is difficult for them because they need proof of address and many times they are transferred from one place to another.
Rosanna Cruz of Good Shepherd Services talks to us about some of the problems they encounter:
“Many of the new arrivals have moved from shelter to shelter, have come from other cities and have not updated their addresses. Which is a bigger problem if they miss an appointment because they don’t give immigration their correct address.
The challenge for organizations like the one Cruz represents is for new immigrants to learn about events like this in the shelters where they are located. That’s why some bring them closer to shelters, hoping that those who come will spread the word.
Yuliany Salazar arrived three months ago from her native Venezuela with her husband and six-year-old daughter Valery:
“It helps a lot, because there are many immigrants who haven’t found work.”
The shelter where they are in Brooklyn is near the community center.
Valery Morales, asylum seeker In Venezuela you also had toys, – Many toys?
“Answer.
– And you had to leave them behind
“Yes,” he confirms.
The next event in Brooklyn will be December 15, from 11:00 to 15:00, at 876 Schenck Avenue.
For more information you can call 718-346-2200 Ext 20104.
