Concerns about asylum seekers in New York have ignited debates on social media with critics questioning the level of assistance offered to newcomers. A reader from our Nextdoor community highlighted that tension when they recently asked, “Why can’t we provide free housing for our legal citizens who cannot afford rent, while undocumented migrants receive free housing and other benefits?”
Is that actually happening? Let’s unpack it.
This sentiment comes amid rising misinformation about the resources allocated to asylum seekers. Since the spring of 2022, more than 210,000 migrants, many seeking asylum after arriving at the US-Mexico border, have come to New York City, dramatically increasing the demand for shelter in the city. In fiscal year 2023, New York City spent $1.45 billion on migrant assistance.
While the costs of supporting these asylum seekers are substantial, immigrants’ contributions to the state’s economy often go overlooked. In New York state, immigrants contributed $3 billion in taxes in 2021.
The cost of emergency support has sparked controversy and misinformation. This guide seeks to clarify the support available to asylum seekers in New York City.
Who are asylum seekers?
Asylum seekers are individuals who have fled their home countries due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Unlike refugees, who are granted status before arriving in the U.S., asylum seekers apply for protection after entering the country or at the border. They are in the U.S. legally.
Also Read: Are Asylum Seekers Illegal? Migrants in the U.S., Explained
What kind of help is available for asylum seekers?
There are various types of public assistance available to immigrants in New York City, but eligibility depends on an individual’s immigration status in the United States. Some of these programs include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps), Public Housing (Section 8), Federal Medicaid, Safety Net Assistance, New York State Medicaid, Qualified Health Plan (QHP), the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Emergency Medicaid.
Asylum seekers are not eligible for most of these programs.
There are public assistance benefits that are only available to U.S. citizens and certain categories of immigrants. For instance, asylum seekers are not eligible for permanent housing, food stamps (only those with children or disability may qualify) and free childcare.
Here are the key public assistance programs asylum seekers in New York can benefit from.
Emergency shelter and housing assistance
In response to the influx of migrants starting in 2022, the city opened more than 200 emergency shelters to house them temporarily. These facilities offer basic services, including meals, showers and access to caseworkers.
New York City operates under a “right to shelter” law, which mandates that the city provide shelter to anyone in need, including asylum seekers. This is often the first form of assistance they receive. However, Mayor Eric Adams recently pushed through a settlement that significantly decreases the amount of time people can spend in shelters.
Currently, adult migrants are typically limited to 30 days in these shelters, while families with children may stay for up to 60 days. They can reapply for shelter if they demonstrate continued need.
In some cases, immigrant families may be placed in transitional housing designed to provide longer-term, more stable accommodations while they pursue their asylum claims. New York State, in partnership with New York City, has launched the Migrant Relocation Assistance Program (MRAP) to help newly arrived asylum-seeking families and other eligible households relocate from the city’s shelter system to permanent housing in welcoming areas of the state. The program covers up to one year’s rent and provides additional services for families moving to Albany, Erie, Monroe, Suffolk and Westchester counties.
Cash assistance
Asylum seekers in New York can apply for cash assistance, which provides grants to help cover housing, energy costs and other essential expenses. Many temporary cash assistance recipients must work or participate in approved work activities. You can check eligibility here.
WIC
Asylum seekers are eligible for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutrition support to low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. WIC offers access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to healthcare and other social services.
Prenatal Care Assistance Program
Asylum seekers can also access the Prenatal Care Assistance Program (PCAP). This New York State initiative provides comprehensive prenatal, childbirth and postpartum care to low-income pregnant women, including adolescents and those without health insurance. Administered by the New York State Department of Health, PCAP aims to improve birth outcomes and reduce health disparities by ensuring access to essential healthcare services for expecting mothers.
Free school meals
The Free School Meals program ensures that students from low-income families, including asylum-seeking families, have access to nutritious meals during the school day — and at select locations during the summer. This program helps alleviate food insecurity and supports children’s education.
Head Start
Immigrant children are eligible for Head Start, a comprehensive early childhood education program promoting school readiness for children from low-income families. Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Head Start focuses on education, health, nutrition and family engagement, helping children develop skills for success in school and beyond.
Head Start programs provide full-day, year-round care, operating at least eight hours daily throughout the school year and summer. Designed for children aged three to four, these programs offer safe, positive learning environments where kids can learn, play and develop essential skills. Participants receive nutritious meals and health screenings, while families receive support to access necessary health services. Eligibility requirements apply, but qualified families can enroll their children anytime during the year.
