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Q&A
Progress on surveys for newly arrived migrants and asylum seekers
2:59:09
ยท
173 sec
Council Member Carlina Rivera inquires about the progress of two surveys she initiated through Local Laws 73 and 74, focusing on workforce development and health needs of newly arrived migrants and asylum seekers. Director Molly Schaefer provides updates on the survey timelines and administration.
- The health survey, administered by the NYC Health Department, is on track for a report submission to the council by September 2025.
- The workforce survey is being managed by DCWP, but no specific update was provided.
- Commissioner Manuel Castro emphasizes the significant economic contributions of immigrant communities, including over $3 billion in taxes to the state.
Carlina Rivera
2:59:09
Thank you, and good to see you.
2:59:12
I know it's been a long morning, and I I appreciate your work and and your service to the city.
2:59:17
As you know, we're in an era of displacement right now.
2:59:20
I mean, people around the world are are being displaced.
2:59:25
It's climate change, financial instability.
2:59:27
There are so many reasons why people come to New York City to seek a better life, and I think we've seen that a lot over the past three years as we've gone over this morning.
2:59:37
So in 2024, I passed two bills to develop and administer surveys of newly arrived migrants and people seeking asylum in New York City.
2:59:47
Local law 73 focuses on workforce development seeking to gather information related to skills, economic opportunities, obstacles, and local law 74 focuses on health needs.
3:00:00
Do you have an update on the progress of these surveys?
3:00:02
Is there any information you would like to share from them so far?
3:00:08
And immigration tends to lead to economic growth clearly with immigrants paying taxes to the city.
3:00:14
Have you seen any opportunities for workforce investments or initiatives that would increase the city's revenue by spurring economic activity and workforce participation?
Manuel Castro
3:00:25
Thank you council member Rivera for your questions and concerns about this.
3:00:29
I will hand this over to director Schaeffer to to respond, but just want to emphasize what you emphasize, the tremendous contributions of our immigrant communities, over $3,000,000,000 in in taxes that they contribute to the state, and and much more than that.
3:00:50
And as you stated, I myself traveled to to Latin America to meet with some of the asylum seekers and migrants who were traveling, making their way north in sulfur sand, you know, the devastation that we're fleeing from.
3:01:04
And know, share your concern, especially with families and children who are on this journey and the needs that they have as they arrive.
3:01:13
I'll hand it over to Director Sheaver.
Molly Schaefer
3:01:15
Hi, so for the health survey, the New York City Health Department is the main administrator of that survey with help from us and with Moya.
3:01:28
They're on track to submit a report to counsel by September 2025.
3:01:33
So that is the update on that.
3:01:36
DCWP is managing the workforce survey so I have to defer to them on where they are in that.
3:01:42
But that's sort of, that's where we are in terms of status.
Carlina Rivera
3:01:47
Okay, so if there's anything to share before those dates, we would greatly appreciate that.
3:01:54
It also informs our work, as you know, especially advocating during budget season.
3:01:59
My second question, just just two more, chair.