Mayor Adams Unveils New Policies to Aid Migrants and Cut Costs

On Monday, November 18th, Mayor Eric Adams announced new initiatives to reduce New York City’s financial strain while helping migrants take steps toward independence. The measures include allowing families with young children to stay in their current shelters and establishing a centralized mail center to streamline communication for migrants.

“The new policies we’re implementing today will build on our successes, save taxpayers millions, and help even more migrants take their next steps toward fulfilling their American Dream,” said Mayor Adams. He emphasized the city’s efforts to connect migrants with essential services, including 700,000 case management meetings and 84,000 applications for work authorization, asylum, and temporary protected status (TPS).

The city aims to significantly reduce transportation costs by allowing families with school-age children to remain in their current shelters. The centralized mail center will also ensure migrants receive timely updates on legal applications and work authorizations, regardless of whether they remain in or leave the shelter system.

Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom commended the collaborative efforts behind these initiatives. “All of this work has been done one meeting at a time, one conversation at a time, and one step in the process to work together with our newest New Yorkers as they pursue the ability to work and achieve the American Dream for themselves and their loved ones,” she said.

As part of the city’s nation-leading response, the Asylum Application Help Center has guided migrants through legal processes and expedited work authorization. Approximately 70% of eligible migrants have applied for or received permission to work, contributing to a 19-week consecutive decline in the shelter population.

“New York City has led the nation in supporting asylum seekers with unmatched dedication and compassion,” said Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. He highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to support self-sufficiency through employment and legal resources.

These actions are consistent with the city’s overall approach to addressing the humanitarian issue while remaining fiscally responsible. Since 2022, over 223,000 migrants have arrived, and New York City has aided over 164,000 asylum seekers in achieving self-sufficiency, demonstrating the city’s commitment to long-term solutions.