ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Dozens of asylum seekers relocated from New York City arrived in Rochester Monday evening.
According to Monroe County officials, 77 asylum seekers —all lawfully admitted to the United States— arrived via bus at the Holiday Inn at State Street. They include families with children.
The hotel filed an emergency housing plan, which was approved by the Department of Human Services. The individuals that arrived had identified sources for food, shelter, and medical needs, with the county saying these sources were funded by New York City.
Several organizations also said that they will also work to provide support for these families. Angie Perez-Delgado of the Ibero-American Action League shared a story about meeting the families.
“They were very scared, they don’t know where they are at, they don’t know the proximity of New York State,” said Perez-Delgado. “It was very emotional. They were tired but mainly scared for their safety. We had a family share with us that they thought their kids would be kidnapped.”
Regarding the relocation of asylum seekers throughout the country, Bello called the situation an “abject failure of the federal government” to come up with a resolution for the country, municipalities, and the asylees.
“They’re moving people, relocating them all over the country in an unorganized way,” Bello explained. “Now, New York City is becoming overwhelmed by the amount of people there. Because of that lack of coordination, they are now relocating people to where they can relocate them.”
Mayor Evans said that the city and the county will do everything in their power to make sure the families will have a better life.
“We have things that are delivered to our doorstep that we don’t create, challenges that we don’t ask for, but as local government, we have to deal with it,” said Mayor Evans. “We don’t have time to sit around and figure things out.”
Evans is also asking for county residents to “put themselves in the shoes” of the asylum seekers leaving their countries, but also makes it clear he expects what he promised will be delivered — such as the food, security, and transportation all being paid for.
Rochester City Council President Miguel Melendez Jr. released a statement saying, “I was there when the families arrived and it warms my heart to see the reception from Rochesterians as these new arrivals were welcomed into our city with open arms. Many of them are fearing for their safety in a new environment, unsure of what may come next. We can help show these families that Rochester is a place for everyone, and we can provide a welcoming home to anyone wishing to resettle here to start anew.”
The Rochester City School District said they will meet with families to assist families in their transition to the district.
“We know that bilingual education is a tough field to do, but we have other ways to provide support,” said RCSD Superintendent Dr. Carmine Peluso. “We provide support through bilingual teacher assistance. We’ll brainstorm how to approach it.”
In May, County Executive Adam Bello issued an emergency order that prevents shelters of any kind from signing a contract to provide emergency shelter — unless the housing plan was approved by the Dept. of Human Services. Bello says this was done to ensure that people are housed here in a thoughtful way.
Bello explains the difference between his executive order and the orders issued by other counties.
“My executive order sought to establish a planning process and funding mechanism that would guarantee protection for asylees and Monroe County residents,” Bello said. “As a result, Unlike other areas experiencing asylum seekers amid uncertainty and frustration, Monroe County is able to welcome the asylees after a reasonable and rational planning process.”
Monroe County clarified that no residents in the county were displaced from any accomodations due to the asylum seekers.
Full Press Conference:
You can watch the press conference in its entirety in the video player above.
