Bill > A08861

This bill establishes a new Community Accompaniment and Post-Release Support Program within the Office for New Americans to provide grants to community-based organizations that assist individuals recently released from immigration detention. The program will support eligible organizations in offering comprehensive services including case management, temporary housing assistance, mental health care, legal services, job training, food assistance, language access services, and family reunification support. To receive grants, organizations must demonstrate experience serving immigrant populations, provide culturally competent services, ensure geographic diversity, and show commitment to trauma-informed care. The Office for New Americans will be required to develop grant award criteria and submit an annual report to the governor and legislature detailing program metrics such as the number of individuals served, types of services provided, geographic distribution of services, and outcomes related to housing stability, employment, and legal case resolutions. This initiative aims to support immigrants transitioning out of detention by connecting them with essential services to help them successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8861