Asylum Seeker Executive Report
I. Introduction: Asylum Seeker Crisis
In 2022, an unprecedented number of individuals from Latin America - over 76,000 to date - have arrived in New York City, many of whom are seeking asylum status. At the beginning of 2023, New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, issued an emergency aid request to the state saying the cost to handle asylum seekers arriving from the southern border is approaching $2 billion, double what his office has budgeted for the expense. In May 2023, Title 42, the Covid-era policy that allowed US authorities to quickly deport migrants was lifted, and it’s expected to result in a surge in border crossings that the US is likely not prepared to handle.
II. Mixteca’s response to the asylum seeker crisis
As a result of the conclusion of Title 42, the expected surge of asylum seekers into New York City and the surrounding areas will have major implications for migrants in need of support and critical resources. New York City based non-profits are currently scrambling to provide everything from clothing and food to housing and mental health support.
In the past year, Mixteca has been at the forefront of supporting thousands of newly-arrived asylum-seekers from across Latin America arriving in New York City. As a longtime community-based organization in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, we have a well-established relationship with new and longtime community members in the surrounding area and throughout the city which has enabled us to build trust with new arrivals. As the only Spanish speaking organization in Brooklyn providing key services to asylum seekers, our staff and volunteers provide culturally-appropriate support in Spanish and 4 Indigenous languages to ensure that newly-arrived asylum-seekers are aware of their rights and can access available resources.
To continue to support the critical needs of asylum seekers, as well as brace for the surge in numbers of those in need of emergency assistance and key services, Mixteca requires urgent funding. We are currently assisting approximately 8,000 individuals receive essential services including: Food, toiletries, benefits access, translation services, immigration assistance, adult education, workforce development training and more!
III. Demographic Information
IV. Services Provided
Most recently, 3,738 individuals were supported with direct services including: basic needs like toiletries and food support, OSHA, ESOL, IDNYC, Fair Fairs, NYC Care and transportation.
V. Gaps of Services
Job search / Placement
Partnerships with consulates other than the Mexican Consulate
Legal services/consultations
Shelter transfer or reallocation
Access to healthcare services due to lack of documentation
Access to financial resources
VI. Success Stories
Lazaro first came to Mixteca for emergency assistance in meeting his immediate and urgent need for food, a winter coat, boots, and a cell phone. While here, he also scheduled an appointment with IDNYC and learned about other resources he needed like Fair Fares, NYC Care, English classes and OSHA training.
“Mixteca ha sido la mejor organización en la que me han apoyado y brindado servicios directos” (Mixteca has been the best organization in which they have supported me and provided direct services) - Thomas
“Matias lo están acosando en el colegio, que hago? - Jimena; Matias was being bullied during and after school. The education team was able to connect Jimena and her son to the Mental Health department to fully assess her son's experience. The Education team then successfully aided Ms. Chasi in understanding her next steps, which included reporting the student, transferring schools, and continuing mental health services for her son's safety.
Pablo was very anxious about his pending check-in in Texas, with the support of the immigration team, he successfully changed his address and updated the information for USCIS.
Carlos and his family are located in a shelter that constantly places them in unfair and dangerous situations. Recently, Carlos completed the OSHA training with Mixteca and was able to find a job and is now looking to rent a place to move to with his family.