Concerns and Challenges Surrounding the Relocation of Asylum-Seeking Families in New York City

Dozens of families wait for the arrival of the school bus outside the former Hotel Row in Midtown, one of the shelters for asylum seekers in the city.

For many, the recent policy change announced by the Mayor’s Office – in which they will have a maximum period of two months to relocate – is a cause for concern.

“Of course. Am I not going to be worried? Yes, I have my daughter. What will happen to my daughter if they take me out of the shelter? Where am I going to go?” said Mayiz Ramírez, an asylum-seeking mother.

The announcement was confirmed Monday by Mayor Eric Adams, reiterating that starting this week migrant families entering municipal care will receive a 60-day notice to find another place to stay. They will be supported by intensified social assistance services to explore other housing options.

According to official figures, nearly 127,000 asylum seekers have arrived in New York since spring 2022 and more than half are in the city’s care. The reason for the change in policy, says the mayor, is due to the total lack of space to house them.

Between concern and optimism, migrant mothers expressed:

“Yes, it worries me, but as I say and it is something that I have also told them, it is a momentary help, because we have to move forward on our own merits. “Also let each one of us make an effort,” said Jessica Moreano, an asylum-seeking mother.

Moreano.

“I don’t know, I would agree if they relocated me to a part that is a little close to their school,” said Ana Ramona Pineda.

“As long as they relocate us to a place where the children have access to their school and give them the same benefits that they are being given here at the hotel, it would be a good idea,” added mother Ramírez. “Because the idea that I, as a Venezuelan, I say that if we came to this country it was to work, not to live off the government.”

For their part, organizations such as The Legal Aid Society have harshly criticized the measure, saying that children will be the most affected.

“They try to put families with children in barracks-style shelter, instead of private rooms. And that’s not healthy or safe for children,” said Edward Josephson.

Additionally, the city announced that Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn will open its doors in the coming weeks to accommodate approximately 500 families with children. The enclosure will include locking privacy dividers.

2023-10-17 20:17:00
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