Bill > A04989

This bill establishes a task force called the "Office of Asylum Management" to comprehensively study and develop recommendations for managing asylum seekers in the state. The task force will consist of 17 members appointed by various state commissioners, legislative leaders, and the governor, including representatives from agencies like temporary and disability assistance, health, labor, and education. The members will not be paid but will receive reimbursement for expenses and will elect a chairperson to lead the group. The task force's specific duties include evaluating existing services for asylum seekers, identifying regions with the most significant influx of asylum seekers, assessing current state resources, examining work authorization delays, exploring work opportunities, analyzing data collection practices, and investigating other relevant issues related to asylum seeker management. The bill defines an asylum seeker as an individual who has left their home country to seek temporary or permanent residence and has applied for or is eligible to apply for asylum under U.S. immigration law. The task force will have access to state agency resources and must submit its findings and recommendations to the governor, senate president, and assembly speaker within two years of the bill's enactment, after which the task force will be automatically dissolved.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4989