Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that thousands of refugees from Afghanistan will make their home in New York over the next six months.
“New York has a history of welcoming those seeking a safe haven from violence and persecution, a proud tradition our state continues today in helping evacuees from Afghanistan rebuild,” Governor Hochul said in a statement.
According to the new State Department guidance, New York City’s share of newcomers should rise to 240. About 100 will go to Albany, 200 to Rochester, 248 to Syracuse, 335 to Buffalo and 20 to Utica.
A large number of the families have directly assisted the United States government in the past and have applied for special immigrant visas. Special immigrant visas became available to Afghans in 2008, who worked as translators or interpreters for the Army.
But New York will receive a small group, compared to states like Texas and California, which hope to relocate more than 4,000 Afghans.
In New York City, the Office of Refugee Services is in charge of the process, which is part of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
“Our role now is to welcome them into our communities, help them rebuild their lives and embrace them as our neighbors,” said OTDA Commissioner Mike Hein.
OTRA, the Office of Refugee Services, Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, and the New York State Office for New Americans will work with the Mayor’s Office to make sure these families have the resources they need.
Still, it is unclear how these offices will work together to handle this new influx of refugees. The state already expected to receive 980 refugees and 340 special immigrant visa holders before President Biden’s plans to evacuate Afghanistan.
The mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment on how they will work with the state in this process.
The Office of Refugee Services offers several plans, such as the New York State Enhanced Refugee Services Program. This includes employment services, English training, cash assistance programs, medical assistance programs, and services for older refugees.
“Many of us cannot understand the fear and hardships endured by the Afghans now coming to our state,” Commissioner Hein said.
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