ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Upstate New York Assembly members are calling for the state to back up its commitment to refugee resettlement in light of President Donald Trump’s travel ban.
Democrats representing Albany, Buffalo, Utica, Syracuse and Rochester on Wednesday introduced a $12 million proposal to fund resettlement agencies even if refugee arrivals are limited.
Utica assemblyman Anthony Brindisi says agencies receive federal funding based on the number of arrivals. Brindisi says one Utica refugee resource center would lose $200,000 and eight staff members if the ban is implemented.
The proposal would also double the standard 90-day period refugees can receive services.
Lawmakers say the proposal mirrors conference priorities, but Assembly leaders have not promised passage.
Trump’s executive order bans visitors from seven largely Muslim countries but is currently blocked in the courts.
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