New York City will further tighten its policies for housing facilities for undocumented immigrants, requiring them to have “valid reasons” to apply for an extension. The new guidelines will be officially implemented starting on the 27th.
According to the latest guidelines issued by the city government, single adult immigrants and adult immigrant families must apply for an extension after staying in the housing facility for 30 days. They must have a “valid reason” within a month of the deadline, including: finding alternative housing and signing a lease, preparing to leave New York City, undergoing immigration litigation procedures, undergoing medical treatment or surgery. If the immigrant is a student aged between 18 and 20, they must provide proof of full-time enrollment in a public school. The new guidelines will be officially implemented starting on May 27th.
Camille Joseph Varlack, Chief of Staff of Mayor Adams, stated at a press briefing on May 17 that about 200 undocumented immigrants residing in housing facilities for 30 days will have their deadline this week. They must provide evidence of a “valid reason” and explain why they are applying for another 30-day extension. The city government will conduct strict case reviews according to the new guidelines to assess how to help immigrants move towards the next stage of their journey.
She also mentioned that the housing facility system was never intended to be a permanent residence for people. With limited resources, priority is given to families with children and newcomers.
Varlack revealed that out of the 200 undocumented immigrants who have stayed for 30 days, 29 have applied for an extension and undergone interviews at the resettlement center. Of these, 14 have been approved while 15 have been rejected. Therefore, next week, approximately 186 undocumented immigrants will have to vacate the housing facility.
Since Mayor Adams took office in January 2022, around 200,000 undocumented immigrants have flocked to New York City, with approximately 65,000 currently residing in municipal housing facilities. According to the new guidelines, the city government has issued notices to 6,500 individuals who have reached the 30 or 60-day limit in housing facilities, which may affect 15,000 undocumented immigrants. However, Varlack stated that as long as they can prove any of the valid reasons, they are eligible to stay in the housing facilities.