ALBANY, NY (Mar. 4) – State Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany) and Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera (D—Buffalo) today announced their joint effort to secure increased funding for the New York State Enhanced Services to Refugees Program (NYSESRP) in this year’s State Budget. 

The lawmakers are advocating for a $15 million investment in the FY2026-27 state budget to ensure refugees across New York continue receiving critical support services amid significant federal program cuts. Last year, NYSESRP received $13.5 million in funding from New York State.

The request comes amid significant reductions in federal refugee admissions and the elimination of key programs that support individuals lawfully resettling in the United States. Since October 2022, New York State has welcomed nearly 12,000 refugees, increasing demand for housing assistance, workforce training, English language instruction, and access to health and medical services.

Despite federal claims that the national refugee program poses security concerns, refugees admitted through the program remain the most thoroughly vetted immigrants entering the United States. Individuals seeking resettlement undergo years of interviews and background checks. Applicants are screened multiple times by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to determine humanitarian eligibility and admissibility under U.S. law, followed by additional evaluations conducted by State Department-operated Resettlement Support Centers and final security interviews performed by U.S. Homeland Security officials. Fewer than one percent of applicants ultimately qualify for resettlement through humanitarian programs.

Federal refugee admissions have declined sharply in recent years. During Fiscal Year 2025, 38,102 refugees were admitted to the United States, a significant decrease from the 100,034 admitted the previous year. 

For Fiscal Year 2026, the federal refugee admissions ceiling was set at 7,500 individuals, the lowest level in the 45-year history of the nation’s refugee resettlement program. These reductions, combined with the cancellation of federal assistance programs and suspension of immigration benefits, have shifted increased responsibility onto states to provide stabilization and integration services.

Research continues to demonstrate the economic value of refugee resettlement. Between 2005 and 2019, refugees and asylees generated a net positive fiscal impact of $123.8 billion nationwide, including an estimated $31.5 billion benefit to the federal government and $92.3 billion in net gains for state and local governments.

The effects of refugee resettlement are particularly evident in upstate regions. Refugee resettlement has played a measurable role in reversing Buffalo’s population decline, for example. A 2023 study found that approximately 15,000 refugees have resettled in Buffalo since 2002, contributing significantly to population growth, as Census data shows the city’s population increased by roughly 17,000 residents between 2010 and 2020. Since 2005, the Capital Region and the City of Albany have welcomed more than 6,000 refugees into its communities and neighborhoods.

Funding through NYSESRP supports essential services including housing assistance, food access, school enrollment, job placement, and connections to health care and social support systems. These investments allow community-based resettlement agencies to help refugee families achieve stability while contributing to the long-term economic vitality of New York’s communities.

Assemblymember Rivera and Senator Fahy emphasized that expanding funding for NYSESRP is necessary to offset the loss of federal resources, support local economies, and ensure that refugees who have lawfully resettled in New York have the tools needed to successfully integrate and thrive.

“The Capital Region and New York State is stronger today because of its refugee communities who have decided to call it home,” said Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “We will not allow this federal government to stoke fear and division within our communities. Refugees and immigrants are welcome here, and this funding cements the commitment that New York has offered to the world for centuries now: the promise of a better life and a chance at the American Dream. When the Trump administration leaves our refugees and neighbors out in the cold, New York State must act.”

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Refugees are our neighbors, coworkers, and small business owners who contribute millions in state taxes and billions in economic activity across New York. At a time when federal resources are being withdrawn, New York must step up to ensure families who have lawfully resettled here have access to employment training, English language education, and health services that allow them to succeed. Investing in NYSESRP strengthens our workforce, supports local businesses, and reinforces our values as a welcoming state.”

Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “While the federal government continues to demonize refugee populations, New York will continue to stand tall in support of these diverse and vibrant communities. As an immigrant myself, I will continue to fight for these populations today and every day and I’m proud to join Senator Fahy, Assemblymember Rivera, and our partners to make sure refugees have the support services they deserve.”

“I was proud to support the request for $15 million in funding for the New York State Enhanced Services to Refugees Program," said Senator Lea Webb. "When families arrive here seeking safety and opportunity, we have a responsibility to ensure they have the tools to succeed.  This investment is about creating pathways to self-sufficiency."

“Refugees seeking safety and opportunity are critical to New York’s communities,” said Senator Jeremy Zellner. “With federal support for resettlement programs declining, the state must ensure families have access to services that allow them to fully contribute to our economy and neighborhoods. Investing in NYSESRP is common sense. When we provide stability and support, we strengthen our workforce, grow our economy, and reinforce the values that define our state. This is a commitment to our shared future and to ensuring New York remains a place where opportunity and compassion go hand in hand.” 

“New York has always been strengthened by those who come here seeking safety, opportunity, and the chance to build a better life,” said Senator Nathalia Fernandez. “Investing in the New York State Enhanced Services to Refugees Program ensures that families arriving in our communities have the support they need to work, learn, and contribute. When we welcome people with compassion and provide the tools to succeed, we strengthen the very fabric of our state.”

“Keymark Corporation consistently operates at an employment deficit. We have more job openings than applicants to fill them,” said Amy Rogers, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Keymark Corporation, Fonda, NY. “The Center is one part of our overall continuous recruiting efforts. We have an outstanding retention rate with our refugee workforce. We have numerous refugee employees who have worked their way up to Supervisor, Foreman, Lead Person and Production Superintendent. The refugee workforce accounts for approximately 40 percent of our total workforce.”

“In the Mohawk Valley, refugee resettlement has helped reverse population decline, strengthened our workforce, and brought new energy to our neighborhoods and local economy. At a time of uncertainty at the national level, New York State’s investment through the Enhanced Services to Refugees Program ensures that refugee families can move quickly toward self-sufficiency while meeting the real labor needs and creating culturally vibrant upstate communities,” said Shelly Callahan, Executive Director, The Center, Utica NY.

"The continued investment in refugee post resettlement services recognizes something critical: refugee integration is not just a humanitarian effort — it is an economic strategy,” Lisa Hoyt, Senior Advisor for Refugee Services Catholic Charities, Rochester NY. “When refugee families stabilize quickly, they enter the workforce faster, strengthen local economies, and contribute to our state’s long-term growth.”

"NYSESRP is a smart, targeted investment that helps refugees stabilize, contribute, and become full members of our communities,” said Chris Foley, President and CEO, InterFaith Works/Syracuse NY.

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