NYC Revises Shelter Policy for Migrant Families with School-Age Children

Families with children in grades K-6 can now stay in the same shelter longer, reducing school disruptions.

Mayor Eric Adams announced a policy change allowing migrant families with children in kindergarten through sixth grade to stay in the same shelter after their initial 60-day period, easing previous eviction rules.
The new policy aims to prevent educational disruptions by allowing children to remain in their original schools, saving the city money on transportation costs.
A centralized mail hub will be established to help migrants access important legal and government correspondence, aiding in their asylum and work authorization processes.
Advocates welcomed the policy change but criticized it for not fully eliminating the 60-day rule, which they argue still creates instability for families.
City officials reported a decline in the shelter population for 19 consecutive weeks, attributing it to the new policies and a slowdown in migrant arrivals.