Bill > A00861

This bill requires the Office of New Americans to establish a comprehensive case management program for immigrants living in family and adult shelters operated by local governments or state-contracted providers. The program will involve partnering with experienced community-based non-profit organizations that have a proven track record of assisting immigrant populations, with services including English as a Second Language (ESOL) instruction, legal assistance for asylum and immigration status, naturalization programs, workforce development, and social service referrals. The primary goal of these services is to help immigrants transition out of shelter facilities into stable, long-term housing. Providers will be granted access to shelter facilities and will be given dedicated office space to deliver services. Shelter operators are expected to collaborate with these providers, prioritize their recommendations for integrating case management, and cooperate to the fullest extent possible. The bill also updates existing reporting requirements for the Office of New Americans to include information about services provided within shelters and expands the office's responsibilities to support immigrant populations in shelter settings.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A861