Hochul: 1,140+ Afghan refugees to resettle in NY

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — More than 1,140 Afghan evacuees are expected to resettle in New York State within the next six months, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.

The resettlement is part of an effort through the U.S. Department of State’s Afghan Placement and Assistance Program, which is helping to resettle roughly 37,000 evacuees across the United States.

The department estimates the number of NY evacuees at 1,143.

Some Afghans have already arrived in the state. . As we previously reported, an estimated 500 families from Afghanistan will be resettled, though Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said the county could expect roughly 200 more Afghan interpreters and families by the end of the year.

Of note, 100 could be expected in Albany, 335 in Buffalo, 240 in the New York City area, 248 in Syracuse, and 20 in Utica.

It’s important to note, separate from refugees and those admitted on Special Immigrant Visas, these individuals will be allowed to remain in the U.S.S for a temporary period while they seek asylum or more permanent immigration status.

Rochester is listed as one of 25 cities in the U.S. as an option for SIVs to resettle.

Hochul said arriving refugees will be assisted by several state agencies which will provide a variety of free support services to all immigrants and refugees, regardless of status.

An assistance hotline can be reached at 1-800-566-7636 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, with assistance available in more than 200 languages.