New York’s legal and shelter system are overloaded and unprepared to serve newly-arrived migrants and asylum–seekers. Jodi Ziesemer, director of NYLAG’s Immigrant Protection Unit testified on September 30, 2022 before the NYC Council Committee on Immigration, advocating for stronger resources and services for newly-arrived asylum seekers. Ziesemer argued for a greater investment of resources into immigration attorneys across the city, pro se application assistance clinics, and non-profit legal service organizations facing a crisis with recruitment, training, and space for new attorneys.
CityLimits: Newly Arrived Immigrant Youth Face Challenges to School Enrollment
Federal law dictates that youth and young adults under 21 experiencing homelessness should be enrolled in school immediately but CityLimits spoke with various organizations working with recently arrived immigrant youth including NYLAG as they encounter obstacles to the school enrollment they’re entitled to.