Programs

Taking Action to Address the Asylum Seeker Crisis in New York

Addressing the Asylum Seeker Crisis

Since asylum seekers first began arriving in New York, Governor Hochul has taken significant action to provide resources, support and humanitarian aid. In May, she issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in New York, allowing the state to expedite resources to address this urgent crisis. Working with the legislature, Governor Hochul secured more than $1 billion in funding to support New York City's efforts to shelter asylum seekers. She has deployed more than 2,000 members of the New York National Guard to provide logistical and operational support at shelter sites throughout the state. And she has identified multiple state-owned facilities that can be used as Humanitarian Emergency Relief and Response Centers (HERRCs).

Governor Hochul has been clear: New York cannot do this alone. She has called for federal assistance and resources, and pushed the federal government for progress on work authorization so asylum seekers can leave shelters and come out of the shadows. The Governor is speaking regularly with the White House and continues to advocate for the people of New York.

State Investments and Actions

Expediting Casework

A $20 million investment will help expedite the casework filing process for more than 30,000 asylum seekers.

Supporting New York City

$1.5 billion commitment to New York City to provide funding for health care, shelter costs, National Guard personnel, legal services, and voluntary relocation programs.

Helping Cities with Shelter Needs

State-loaned sites to New York City for use as temporary shelters which currently house more than 2,000 asylum seekers every day.
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News & Resources

“New York has always welcomed immigrants and new arrivals — and getting asylum seekers on track to work authorization will help them become self-sufficient and come out of the shadows. New York State has provided significant humanitarian aid for more than a year, and we’re committed to continuing to support the City in managing this ongoing crisis.”

Governor Kathy Hochul

A Faster Path to Legal Employment Job Assistance for Asylum Seekers

The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) is connecting asylum seekers to employment opportunities and providing them with the opportunity to begin working immediately after obtaining federal work authorization. All asylum seekers with work authorization in New York can register for assistance.

Additionally, the Department of Labor launched a portal enabling businesses to inform the State that they would welcome newly-authorized individuals into their workforce.

Job Opportunities Business Inquiries

Governor Hochul is Taking Action

Read more on Governor Hochul's work to address the asylum seeker crisis

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