Hello

From the Executive Director - August 2024

 

I am writing to bring to your attention the urgent situation we are facing here in Central New York.

 

More than 175,000 migrants have made their way to New York, with approximately, 11,000 arriving in Central New York alone. Unfortunately, we are not equipped to handle the sheer number of people seeking refuge in our community.

 

There is a common misconception about these undocumented migrants. Unlike New York City, where migrants receive shelter and other assistance from the government, our region lacks such support. It is important to note that only a very small percentage of migrants come to the U.S. for the wrong reasons. In fact, those that are here for the wrong reason, stay under the radar.  Amongst the majority you have humans who are fleeing unbelievable poverty, political instability, government dysfunction, religious persecution, and even death.  They are willing to travel thousands of miles through the jungle on foot, facing all kinds of dangers, including robbers and criminals and rapists who prey on the migrants.  These people are desperate human beings looking for a safe place to go. 

 

Migrants cannot legally work for 150 to 180 days after petitioning for asylum, forcing many to take off-the-books jobs to survive. Additionally, hundreds of school-age children who speak no English are entering our school system.  Once they are released into the US by ICE, they are for the most part, given a future court appearance, and instructed to begin getting the necessary paperwork done.  They often do not know where to start or what the procedures are. These individuals are desperately begging for help.

 

 A serious response is needed. This is where we come in at the Refugee Community Action Group (RCAG). We are dedicated to assisting migrants and their families by providing critical services, including document preparation, access to computers, transportation, and support through USCIS, Immigration Courts, and ICE.

 

We urgently need your support to continue our vital work. Please call us at (315) 715-4060 or visit our website at www.refcag.com for more information on how you can partner with us to combat this crisis.

 

Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these vulnerable individuals.

 

Sincerely,

 

David Langevin