Rally for increased support for migrants

Rally for more assistance for asylum seekers

A group of advocates and elected officials gathered outside City Hall on Friday to call for a better response from the city, state and federal governments to the migrants being bused to New York City.

NEW YORK - The New York Immigration Coalition, along with local leaders and other immigration advocates rallied on the steps of City Hall on Friday to demand that the federal, state and city governments step up efforts to provide the thousands of asylum seekers being bused here to New York City with housing, medical and legal services.

Advocates say migration is not a crisis, or a threat, but a human right.

"Our City has seen over 6,000 asylum seekers arrive in our city, with at least 100 more coming each day. We have been struggling to cope since the Texas Governor began callously busing refugees to Port Authority, and without more direct action, we will continue to struggle," said Council Member Shahana Hanif, of District 39, who is also chair of the Immigrant Committee.

The advocates blame all levels of government for not being prepared for the influx of migrants arriving in the United States, saying this is not the first time it has happened.

What's next for migrants arriving in NYC

More buses carrying migrants and asylum seekers arrived in New York City from Texas on Thursday morning, but what's next for the new arrivals as they try to make a new life in our city?

They claim millions are needed from both the city and state, but that the help needs to start with the federal government.

"Now is the time for every level of government to develop a coordinated strategy that includes support for community groups like our member organizations that have both the trust and experience to help immigrants to successfully integrate and thrive in New York. In this urgent moment, Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul and President Biden must act together to meet emergency needs and to elevate America’s commitment to our humanitarian and moral obligations through efficient and coordinated action. We cannot further endanger the lives of vulnerable people who continue to be used like pawns in a game that they had no part in creating," said Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of New York Immigration Coalition.

The New York Immigration Coalition has launched the Welcoming New York campaign, a federal, state, and local advocacy campaign to keep pressure on government officials, so they respond to this crisis quickly.