PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Airenakhue Bernadette Omoragbon, New York State Policy Manager at African Communities Together
3:37:53
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3 min
Airenakhue Bernadette Omoragbon, representing African Communities Together (ACT), testified in opposition to Mayor Eric Adams' 30/60 day shelter rule for asylum seekers. She argued that the policy is ineffective, exacerbates the housing crisis, and harms the health and well-being of migrants and asylum seekers in New York City.
- ACT is calling for the abolishment of the 30/60 day rule and the passage of Intro 210 to protect shelter rights for new community members.
- The policy has hindered asylum seekers' efforts to obtain work permits and stable housing, leading to an increase in street homelessness.
- Omoragbon emphasized the need for immediate action to protect the right to shelter and support the integration of migrants and asylum seekers into the community.
Airenakhue Bernadette Omoragbon
3:37:53
Alright.
3:37:53
Are you able to hear me okay?
3:37:55
Alright.
3:37:55
So good afternoon everyone, and thank you to the chairs of the committees on immigration and, general welfare for holding today's hearing.
3:38:03
My name is Aya Nakwe Bernadette Omoragban, and I'm the New York policy manager at African Communities Together.
3:38:09
I know many of you are familiar with ACT, but for the folks in the back of the room, ACT is a national, membership organization by and for African immigrants dedicated to fighting for civil rights, opportunity, and a better life for Africans living in the United States.
3:38:25
The members of our New York chapter hail from countries like Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, etcetera, just to name a few.
3:38:33
Today, I'm here to speak in opposition to mayor Eric Adams' 30, 60 day rule.
3:38:38
For the last few years, ACT has been working tirelessly with members of the New York shelter for all in need, equally or NYSEAN coalition to protect New Yorkers' right to shelter in a safe place.
3:38:50
I think a lot of my colleagues would agree with me in saying that the 30, 60 day rule has not, does not, and will not work.
3:38:58
There has been little to no movement from the city and the state to create a sustainable solution to the outcry of our members, and to be honest, a lot of this is disheartening.
3:39:08
Excuse me.
3:39:10
Studies show that over 65,000 migrants and asylum seekers residing in the city shelter system, are yet to be stabilized and are yet to be integrated into the community.
3:39:21
This 30, 60 day rule has blocked asylum seekers, efforts to get the get the work permits they need to obtain stable housing, and they've created a lot of hurdles for them to join housing programs like city FEPs.
3:39:34
Last night, it was approximately 47 degrees outside, and there has been an alarming increase in the number of people sleeping on the streets, in public parks, on trains, and other makeshift shelters.
3:39:46
A lot of folks in New York, you've seen it, so I don't have to explain that situation.
3:39:50
And this short sighted, short sighted policy has not only exacerbated New York's housing crisis, but it poses a detrimental threat to their human health and their life.
3:40:02
Instead of supporting them and manifesting their American dreams, this policy has further, traumatized new arrivals and made it impossible for them to access the care they need to fight the elements associated with immigration.
3:40:15
Like many advocates, I'll keep it very short, the results of this year's presidential election has stirred up a series of emotions.
3:40:23
We have some fear and some uncertainty around how the first a 100 days of the upcoming presidential administration will shape immigration policy and things of that nature.
3:40:34
But in spite of these, you know, feelings, we will continue to protect and stand for our members and other disenfranchised groups.
3:40:43
So here in New York, this starts with protecting the right to shelter, abolishing mayor Adams 30 60, day rule, and passing bills like council member Hanif's intro 210, which is being considered on the city and state level to protect these shelter limits and protect our new community members.
3:41:01
So to keep it very short, I think it's time for us to put a stop to this and, we must act now.
3:41:07
So thank you.
3:41:07
And I'm gonna pass it to some of the members of African Communities Together so you can hear their experiences in the shelters.
3:41:14
Thank you.
