New York’s immigration systems are severely overwhelmed and unprepared to address a growing backlog of cases for newly-arrived migrants. The “chaos and confusion” come “at the expense of people’s rights and people’s ability to seek legal protection in the United States,” NYLAG’s Jodi Ziesemer commented in this article from The New York Times.

Amidst a recent influx, migrants and asylum-seekers are suffering because New York’s legal and shelter system are unprepared to serve them. NYLAG’s Jodi Ziesemer testified to the NYC Council Committee on Immigration, advocating for improved resources and services for newly arrived asylum-seekers.

Recently-arrived migrants seeking to apply for asylum are being met with an overwhelmed legal system. “This is a large need that is unfunded completely,” said NYLAG’s Jodi Ziesemer, who spoke with Documented about the issue.