New York creates institute to analyze policies that integrate immigrants

In the middle of the immigration crisis facing New York and in connection with Hispanic Heritage Month, Governor Kathy Hochul announced this Friday the launch of the New York State Institute for Immigrant Integration Research and Policy to help immigrants transition into community life, higher education, and the workforce.

This new Institute, which received funds in the state budget for fiscal year 2023, will be located in Rockefeller Institute of Governmentwhere the group of experts in public policies of the State University of New York (SUNY).

“We have been built on the hard work and determination of generations of immigrants, and this Institute will work to improve the lives of those who are trying to build a better life for themselves and their families”said the state president.

In the coming months, the executive director and deputy director of the Institute will analyze immigration data and its correlation with economic and labor data to identify possible solutions in real time for legislators to help develop policies. in favor of immigrants of all ages, nationalities and origins.

a protection to the undocumented

The design of this institute is based on protecting immigrants, even the undocumented, who often struggle to learn English, help their children integrate into school, find safe and affordable housing, secure jobs with a living wage, safe transportation, and access available services, with many fears of deportation.

In October 2021, Hochul enacted a law (S.343-A/A.3412-A) classifying certain security threats reporting a person’s immigration status as extortion or coercion under New York law, and opened educational and housing opportunities to help evacuees from Afghanistan and Ukraine.

According to New York’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), 900 refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders resettled in the state in 2021, primarily from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Afghanistan and Burma.

In the last 12 months, at least 1,300 Afghans evacuated they were also resettled in New York state.

For her part, SUNY Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley, indicated that this house of studies welcomes students from all walks of life, countries and origins.

“We are honored that the Rockefeller Institute of Government will host this Institute and facilitate its much-needed work to further our state’s commitment to welcome immigrants and guarantee its success”, he concluded.