The state is now calling on President Biden to take executive action and direct additional federal resources to New York as it manages the unprecedented influx of asylum seekers arriving in New York. In a formal request sent to the White House Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul outlined specific, outstanding requests, including expedited work authorizations for asylum seekers, financial assistance for New York City and New York State, the use of federal land and facilities for temporary shelter sites, and Title 32 designation to provide federal funding for the nearly 2,000 New York National Guard members currently providing logistical and operational support across the State.
“For over a year, I have called for federal assistance and support for New York as we manage the unprecedented number of asylum seekers arriving in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “New York cannot continue to do this on its own. It is past time for President Biden to take action and provide New York with the aid needed to continue managing this ongoing crisis.”
Governor Hochul also announced a program that will greatly expand the State’s ability to help asylum seekers quickly gain lawful employment. She directed the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) to help connect asylum seekers to employment opportunities so they can begin working immediately after obtaining federal work authorization. All asylum seekers with work authorization in New York can now register for assistance here. DOL career experts will work with individuals to assess skills, work history, education, career interests, and more, and connect them with employers across the State. Additionally, the New York State Department of Labor launched a portal enabling businesses to inform the State that they would welcome newly authorized individuals into their workforce.
Earlier this week, Hochul announced a $20 million investment to help expedite the casework filing process for more than 30,000 asylum seekers. The state has already committed $1.5 billion to support New York City by providing funding for health care, shelter costs, National Guard personnel, legal services, and voluntary relocation programs. The State has also loaned New York City sites to use as temporary shelters which currently house more than 2,000 asylum seekers every day.
The Governor’s letter to the President can be viewed below:
