Statement: NYLAG Condemns New 60-Day Shelter Policy for Migrant Families

“Forcing migrant families with children to leave shelters after sixty days is the epitome of inhumane, and NYLAG condemns this policy in the strongest terms. Especially given how this specifically targets recently arrived migrants who have very little, if any, stability in their lives since arriving here, this shelter removal and reapplication process only compounds on the trauma of instability our new neighbors have already faced, both on their journeys to this country and within our borders. This policy will only further disrupt and traumatize families, and will especially impact children, who are still adjusting to school or struggling to access school enrollment at all. 

“NYLAG cares immensely about our work to ensure that our new neighbors have access to the resources they need, whether it’s work authorization and permanent immigration status, temporary shelter, or stable and practical access to public schools. We are deeply concerned for the safety and wellbeing of migrant families with the rollout of this shelter policy and how it will impact their lives. With that care and concern, and adamant opposition to the 60-day policy for migrant families, NYLAG remains undeterred in our commitment to ensuring equal access to shelter and other key resources for those who need it most—including our new neighbors, who deserve to be and will be met with humanity on our watch.”