NYC Arrival Center celebrates one year of providing lifeline services to asylum seekers

New York City’s Arrival Center, a comprehensive intake facility for newly arriving asylum seekers, marks its one-year anniversary today.

Since opening its doors on May 19, 2023, the center has provided medical, social, and resettlement services to nearly 150,000 people from over 160 countries.

The Arrival Center, managed by NYC Health + Hospitals, has been a cornerstone of the city’s response to the asylum seeker crisis, offering a dignified welcome, food, water, and hygienic products to those arriving in the city. The center’s staff have registered and provided care to nearly 150,000 people, operating 24/7 without interruption.

The center’s services include immediate medical screenings, urgent care, behavioral health screenings, and vaccinations. Staff have administered over 130,000 depression screenings and over 70,000 vaccinations, mostly to children.

Case managers work with asylum seekers to connect them to resources, including healthcare, legal support, child care, and reconnections to their desired destinations. The center has served as a model for other cities, demonstrating how to address the complex needs of asylum seekers with compassion and efficiency.

Mayor Eric Adams praised the Arrival Center’s work, saying, “New York City has managed the hell out of the migrant crisis, and that is thanks, in no small part, to the incredible work of the dedicated public servants at our Arrival Center.”

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom emphasized the center’s importance, stating, “Roughly 75% of the nearly 200,000 people who have come to New York City seeking asylum have been served by our Arrival Center.”

Ted Long, MD, MHS, Senior Vice President, Ambulatory Care and Population Health, NYC Health + Hospitals, highlighted the center’s impact, saying, “The streamlined, comprehensive services provided at the Arrival Center have helped change nearly 150,000 people’s lives and offers a model for other cities.”

The Arrival Center’s success is a testament to the city’s commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for asylum seekers. As the city continues to respond to this national humanitarian crisis, the Arrival Center remains a vital resource for those seeking a better life.