Area asylum seekers may be on the move soon

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEW10) – Asylum seekers who were sent to the Capital Region, by busloads from New York City, were told they would stay here until the end of the school year and for many that’s this week. On Tuesday, we heard a different tone from the New York City’s Mayor’s office.

Officials said the move was supposed to be a temporary solution to the federal immigration crisis after an influx of migrants were sent to New York City, after Texas Governor Greg Abbott started a program that shuttled them across the country.

New York City has handled 200,000 asylum seekers and Mayor Eric Adams said they are still receiving 1,000 a week. They want to help migrants resettle in upstate communities.

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom said they’re working to connect migrants to services and integrate them.

“We don’t have any intentions and there’s no plan to bring people back here to New York City. We actually, as you know, we’re working with the Jewish Family Services up there with our contract to resettle people,” said Williams-Isom.

Last month, Jewish Family Services of Western New York announced it would enter into a contract with New York City to assimilate migrants staying at three Buffalo hotels. 

A representative said the $22.4 million will connect and integrate migrants into upstate communities, by providing housing and other services.

“So that is our plan and that’s what our plan has been and that’s what it’s going to be,” said Williams-Isom.

However, a representative from Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York said they have been in communication with the New York City Mayor’s office on other issues but have not yet been tapped to help Albany and Rotterdam migrant families.

“We have a lot of communication with them, but for the different things not having to do with immigration,” said Monica Tan, Director of Marketing for Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York.

The New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen Acquario said many families may stay in the communities they’re currently in through a migrant housing program.

The Migrant Relocation Assistance Program (MRAP) is meant to help families assimilate and assists them with housing, furniture, clothing, food, school enrollment, finding jobs and applying for medical services.

But some people may end up back in New York City. Acquario said individuals will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

In April, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy sent a letter to the Biden administration and called on the president to work with lawmakers in Washington to resolve immigration challenges. 

One of those challenges McCoy outlined was addressed earlier this month when the president issued an executive order that prevents migrants from seeking asylum on the U.S. – Mexico border. Acquario called that long overdue but a good first step.