Impact of Asylum Applications on Migrant Shelter Stay
In a recent development at City Hall, new stricter re-sheltering rules for adult migrants without children have been implemented since May. These rules have had a significant impact on the length of stay for migrants in the city’s shelters. Over 2,600 shelter extension cases have been assessed, resulting in over 850 approvals and over 1,780 denials.
One such migrant, Marcelo Canchingre, a 37-year-old from Ecuador, recently applied for a shelter extension at the St. Brigid Reticketing Center in the East Village. After his application, he was granted a 30-day extension, indicating a shorter stay compared to some other migrants who have received 60-day extensions. Canchingre, who arrived in the city in November, had been staying in a shelter in Flatbush until his time ran out. Despite working at a restaurant in Manhattan, he was only granted a 30-day extension, highlighting the impact of asylum applications on shelter stay lengths.
Emilio, a 39-year-old migrant also from Ecuador, had a different experience. After applying for asylum with the federal government, he was granted a 60-day extension at the city’s large tent shelter for migrant adults at Randall’s Island. This difference in the length of stay based on asylum application status showcases the varying impacts on migrant shelter stays.
Changes in Shelter Extension Rules
The legal settlement reached in March established the current rules for re-sheltering adult migrants without children. Under these rules, migrants who meet the city’s criteria for more time after an initial shelter stay must be offered at least another 30 days if they are older than 23, and at least 60 days if they are younger. The implementation of these rules has led to a case-by-case evaluation of shelter extension applications, with factors such as asylum application status playing a significant role in determining the length of stay.
According to Josh Goldfein, an attorney for the Legal Aid Society, the recent change in granting longer extensions to asylum applicants was proposed by advocates and implemented by the city. This change aims to provide stability to asylum applicants while they wait to obtain a work permit, which can only be done 150 days after filing for asylum. The city’s decision to grant longer extensions to asylum applicants reflects a shift in policy towards supporting migrants in the shelter system.
Challenges Faced by Migrants in Shelter System
Despite the efforts to provide shelter extensions based on individual circumstances, many migrants face challenges in navigating the shelter system. With more than 14,000 adult migrants without children remaining in the city’s shelters as of June, the stricter rules for shelter extensions have led to an increase in migrants sleeping and setting up camp outdoors. City officials have taken action to clear encampments on Randall’s Island, highlighting the difficulties faced by migrants in finding stable shelter.
Additionally, the policy changes affecting migrant families with children in the shelter system have raised concerns among homeless and immigrant advocates. The requirement for migrant families to reapply for shelter placements every two months can disrupt routines and access to education for homeless children. As the new school year approaches, the impact of these policy changes on migrant families with children remains a pressing issue in the shelter system.
Expansion of Faith-Based Shelters
In an effort to provide additional shelter options for migrants and asylum seekers, the city has announced the opening of more faith-based shelters. While the initial plan included 50 houses of worship to provide overnight housing, only nine facilities are currently operational, accommodating a limited number of individuals overnight. This program aims to offer alternative shelter options for migrants who may not qualify for traditional shelters.
Despite the challenges faced in opening additional faith-based shelters, efforts are underway to expand the program. Two more faith-based shelters are set to open this month, with over 20 more in the works. Delays in the opening of these shelters have been attributed to compliance with Fire Department and Department of Buildings regulations, highlighting the complexities involved in establishing alternative shelter options for migrants.
In conclusion, the impact of asylum applications on migrant shelter stays reflects the challenges faced by individuals navigating the shelter system. While efforts have been made to provide extensions based on individual circumstances, the varying lengths of stay highlight the complexities of the system. The expansion of faith-based shelters offers a potential solution to address the growing need for alternative shelter options for migrants and asylum seekers in the city.
