Governor Kathy Hochul in a letter to President Joseph Biden has called upon more support for the asylum seekers from the federal government. In the Town of Newburgh, meanwhile, asylum seekers continue to maintain residence since arriving in mid-May.
The letter, dated August 24, 2023, expressed concerns over the influx of immigrants that have arrived in New York State and in New York City. With this influx, the city and state resources have been stretched, Hochul said. In the letter, she wrote that 100,000 asylum seekers and migrants have arrived in the past year and she has previously asked for federal properties to be used as temporary shelters.
In a four-point plan, Hochul first calls upon the federal government to expedite work authorizations for those to find work.
Second, provide financial assistance to the state and city, where the state has committed $1.5 billion and $12 million has been projected to be committed by the city. Funding would help with healthcare and human services, transportation, housing assistance and education.
Third, allow the usage of facilities owned by the federal government for temporary shelters and to finally reimburse the state for the costs of National Guard deployment. According to the letter, 1,950 National Guard members have been deployed to support these efforts.
In mid-May, asylum seekers on two buses from New York City arrived at the Crossroads Hotel at Lakeside Road and the Ramada Inn on Route 300 in the Town of Newburgh. While there were individuals present at the arrival that were not in favor and were critical of the situation, local elected officials and community and religious leaders joined together to welcome the asylum seekers. Since the arrival, Newburgh Town Supervisor Gil Piaquadio shared that there have been no problems or difficulties with the asylum seekers that have been here.
With the release of the letter from Hochul in recent days, Orange County Legislator Kevindaryán Luján is hopeful with the approach of the governor, yet has seen very little of the higher levels of government speak or contribute their voices on the issue. “The reality is that some of the places that we really needed people to lead, we haven’t seen that. More support would’ve made this so much easier and more successful,” he said.
Furthermore, if there is funding available from the federal government, he would like to know where those funds would be specifically allocated. “My concern is we end up getting these funds, are they going to be used? Are they going to be used the right way? And who’s going to decide that?”
Since their arrival, community organizations such as the Rural and Migrant Ministry have held outdoor recreational events for asylum seekers to enjoy time away from the hotels and speak with more community resources. Luján also partnered with Damian DePauw of IMPACT Inc, who also helps with management of the Repair Cafe, in an effort to repair donated bikes to help asylum seekers get around and explore the area. Shapiro’s Furniture Barn in the City of Newburgh served as the ideal workspace to repair the bikes, as well as a storage space when needed.
“You could hear Spanish and French and Arabic and local dialects being spoken for hours, and they had a great time,” said Luján. “It was really great to see them be able to feel productive and for them to be able to have a bonding experience between each other.”
Though it has been some time since their arrival, the asylum seekers are still in Newburgh. Some have been a part of programs that can help with starting a business and some have even started their own businesses, according to Luján. Others are trying to also acquire drivers licenses.
While community members continue to support how they can, there is still more work to be done and any support is welcomed. “They’re [the asylum seekers] still there. Many of them are studying English, which has been really great to see. There are some people who are right now trying to donate coats, as winter is getting nearer,” he said. “Many of them have not come any closer to having an answer about their legal concerns.”
The Crossroads Hotel and Ramada Inn front desks were contacted to speak with the support staff and case managers of the asylum seekers, who declined to comment on the status of the seekers.
Assistant to County Executive Steve Neuhaus Justin Rodriguez shared a statement from Orange County Attorney Rick Golden on the legal proceedings on the situation. “There are five pending lawsuits regarding New York City’s attempts to send its homeless migrants up to Orange County. There have been no new developments in any of those actions. Orange County’s Preliminary Injunction prohibiting New York City from sending any of its homeless to Orange County in violation of State law remains valid,” said Golden. “The County also agrees with the Governor’s letter noting the abject failure of New York City to communicate or coordinate with other counties, that the State has no legal authority to allow the City to send its homeless to non-consenting counties outside of New York City, and that the State will not sanction the involuntary relocation of its homeless individuals and families outside of New York City.”