Officials highlight what NYC has done for asylum seekers

This Thursday, municipal officials reported that with the support of the federal government and through its help center for asylum applications, in the last year and a half they have managed 10 thousand applications for asylum, TPS and work authorizations.

“No one has done more for asylum seekers, for immigrants, for immigrants than the city of New York,” said Zack Ischool, commissioner of the Emergency Management Agency.

Geraldo Narváez, who arrived from Venezuela less than three months ago, is one of them. Narváez appreciates the support he has received from the city to begin his immigration process.

“Well, well, I feel good because as soon as they gave me shelter they invited me to that and then the Red Cross advisors called me and I filed the asylum application and I filed the TPS too.”

Despite the city’s efforts, Commissioner Ischol highlighted the financial limitations they have to provide aid more effectively.

Something that keeps immigrants like Dilan Reveló in limbo.

“I wasn’t oriented, no, I don’t have the necessary documents to start filing the asylum paperwork and that’s why I haven’t started yet,” said Reveló.

As for the shelter at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, they say there are currently around 75 people staying there and more are expected to arrive soon.

They highlighted that this shelter does not provide accommodation to pregnant women or families with children under 6 months. And in addition, all the children who are housed at Floyd Bennet Field are already enrolled in school and are attending classes.

They addressed activists’ concerns about the possibility that families with children could be left homeless, and assured that New York City has provided shelter to 100% of families with children, even in the midst of the housing crisis.

Officials did not provide details on how migrant services could be reduced as part of overall cuts to the city’s budget.

According to municipal government data, the city has received more than 142,000 people seeking asylum, with more than 65,000 still under its care.