Anxious New York migrants are reportedly neglecting medical check-ups and foregoing nutritional aid, according to advocates' statements.
In a city where over 43,000 asylum-seekers are currently residing in shelters, the mental health needs of immigrant New Yorkers have become a pressing concern. The surge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests since President Donald Trump returned to office on Jan. 20 has multiplied these needs, according to advocates.
Recently, a hearing centered on this very issue, with councilmember Alexa Avilés criticizing the Adams administration for a lack of appropriate services to address immigrants' mental health needs. Avilés was "incredibly frustrated" by what she called a failure to address critical needs, such as long wait times for the city's suicide and mental health crisis hotline, 988.
However, the Adams administration has been taking active steps to address these concerns. Erin Byrne, a staffer for the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, stated that the administration's "first priority" for detained immigrants has been connecting them with legal services. The mayor's office has also been dedicated to ensuring immigrant New Yorkers feel safe by providing an unprecedented amount of resources.
This includes investing $120 million in free immigrant legal services, creating the new Office to Facilitate Pro Bono Legal Services, and expanding Know Your Rights trainings. Additionally, the administration has implemented targeted programs such as culturally tailored mental health clinics, community outreach initiatives with bilingual counselors, and partnerships with local immigrant organizations.
The city spreads this message through various channels, including flyers, social media, events, workshops, and roundtables with ethnic and immigrant media outlets. Yet, despite these efforts, many immigrants still fear seeking help due to language barriers, immigration concerns, and the fear of deportation.
Ashley Lin, a staff member at the Korean American Family Service Center, shared an anecdote about a Korean immigrant woman without legal status who reached out for assistance with domestic violence. The woman was terrified to call the police out of fear of being separated from her children and deported.
Representatives of local community aid organizations have testified that immigrant New Yorkers are forgoing doctors' appointments, failing to report domestic violence, and doing without public benefits such as food stamps out of fear of immigration enforcement.
Mayor Adams has been clear that no New Yorker, regardless of their documentation status, should be afraid to use resources like calling the police, sending their kids to school, seeking medical care, or going to a court hearing. The woman's story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many immigrant New Yorkers and the need for continued efforts to ensure their safety and well-being.
The article was updated with comment from the mayor's office, reiterating their commitment to providing resources and support for all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status. The office also urged families to continue sending their children to school, accessing medical care, and calling 911 in emergencies.
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