In a bid to bolster their response to the ongoing asylum seeker crisis in the city, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Monday the deployment of an additional 150 members of the National Guard. This move brings the total number of National Guard service members aiding migrants to 2,050 and sets the stage for 250 troops to undertake case management responsibilities, facilitating the processing of work permit applications for migrants.
At a press conference held at the 369th Regiment Armory in Harlem, Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of work authorization, referring to it as the “ticket to the American Dream” for the migrants seeking refuge in the United States. This announcement comes on the heels of the Biden administration’s commitment to offer Venezuelan migrants an expedited pathway to work permits under Temporary Protected Status.
While approximately 40% of the asylum seekers in the city are of Venezuelan origin, there remains uncertainty regarding the precise number of migrants who will benefit from the federal government’s new rules.
Governor Hochul has lauded the White House’s decision as a significant step toward relieving the strain on the city’s overwhelmed shelter system and helping migrants secure employment. However, the efficacy of this initiative hinges on migrants successfully submitting their work papers.
In addition to the heightened presence of the National Guard, the state of New York has allocated over $50 million in funding to expedite case management processing, reinforcing their commitment to resolving the crisis. The city, which has established more than 200 shelters in response to the influx of asylum seekers, was reported to be caring for around 60,000 migrants last week, according to official figures.
The surge in asylum seekers, particularly since spring 2022, has imposed a substantial financial burden on the city. Mayor Adams’ administration estimates that addressing the crisis will cost New York City more than $12 billion over the next two budget cycles. Adams’ spokeswoman, Amaris Cockfield, expressed gratitude for the additional National Guard support as the city grapples with the complex challenges of managing this humanitarian crisis.
Written by Abdullah khan, College: USLLS, A third semester journalism intern at legal vidhiya
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