PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Carlos Fernando Rosales, Director of Community Engagement at Citizens Committee For Children of New York (CCC)
4:16:14
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177 sec
Carlos Fernando Rosales, representing the Citizens Committee For Children of New York (CCC), testified on the implementation of the 30/60 day rules for asylum seekers in NYC shelters. He expressed deep concern over the harmful effects these rules have on migrant families, especially children, and urged for reforms to improve housing stability for families with children.
- Called for the elimination of the 60-day rule for migrant families with children, citing insufficient time for securing benefits and housing
- Advocated for increased investment in legal services for migrant families to address unprecedented legal challenges
- Urged for full implementation of the city FHEPS reform package to provide critical resources to those in need
Carlos Fernando Rosales
4:16:14
Thank you, chair Ayala and chair Aviles, members of the committees on general welfare and immigration, for the opportunity to submit testimony at this hearing regarding the updates on the implementation of the 30 60 day rules for asylum seekers.
4:16:29
My name is Carlos Fernando Rosales, and I'm the director of community engagement at Citizens Committee For Children of New York, a multi issue children's advocacy organization.
4:16:39
CCC is a coconvener of the Family Homelessness Coalition, FHC, whose other members you've heard from and will be submitting testimony as well.
4:16:48
CCC and advocates citywide are extremely concerned over the implementation of shelter limits for migrant families at New York City shelters.
4:16:57
The harmful effects that children will face will endure and severely impact their education and overall well-being, as you heard from other speakers here today.
4:17:06
These families have already endured difficult barriers in their effort to become self sufficient and be an asset to the city's economy.
4:17:14
Furthermore, these immigrant families live in constant fear from city enforcement and now even more concerning federal enforcement.
4:17:22
Now more than ever, New York City should support immigrant families with children by focusing on solutions to the current shelter and housing crisis.
4:17:31
CCC therefore urges the city council to support the following reforms to improve housing stability of all New York City families with children.
4:17:41
First, eliminate the 60 day rule for migrant families with children.
4:17:45
In general, 60 days is not enough time for shelter staff to work with families to secure public benefits assistance and find permanent housing.
4:17:55
This actively reverses work done by case managers and makes it increasingly difficult for parents to maintain a job.
4:18:03
Additionally, families are also unable to access their mails, as you heard earlier today, creating a significant barrier to apply for asylum and work permits and even possibly risking deportation for missing a notice to appear in immigration court.
4:18:18
Migrant students must miss school due to mid year transfers and often weeks.
4:18:23
As such, the the 60 day rule should eliminate to provide sufficient time for migrant families with children to gain self sufficiency and thrive.
4:18:31
2nd, invest in legal services for migrant families.
4:18:35
Immigrant families in New York City face unprecedented legal challenges.
4:18:39
We urge the city council to advocate for more legal resources to prevent family separation and more suffering for migrant children.
4:18:47
And last, fully implement the city FEPPS reform package.
4:18:51
As the legal process impedes the expansion of city FEPPS, CCC and FAC partners continue to advocate for the full suite of its reforms and expansions.
4:19:00
The critical resources should be funded and be able to serve those who need it most.
4:19:06
CCC will provide more recommendations and and testimony.
4:19:09
Thank you for your time and consideration.
