The majority of roughly 700 newly arrived migrants in New York struggle to meet basic needs, get lawyers, take English classes, and travel around the city, according to a new survey.
Nearly 9 in 10 respondents to the “Make The Road NY” survey said they intend to seek asylum but haven’t been able to find a lawyer, mostly because they can’t afford the legal fees. About the same number are living in city shelters but haven’t been able to save enough money or get a steady job to move out.
The new report from the New York chapter of the national immigration advocacy group is the first and most comprehensive survey to date of the new migrant population, the group claims. It surveyed migrants who contacted the group through referrals, word of mouth, and other reasons.