What We Do
Initiatives for Immigrants
Since July 2022, New York City has received more than 200,000 migrants and asylum seekers, primarily from Venezuela. This population has traveled long distances from Latin America to the United States, arriving without resources or support.
In response, AFL has provided assistance to 30,000 newly arrived individuals, offering direct services as they adapt to their new life in New York City.
AFL addresses the migration crisis from a humanitarian perspective, developing replicable and scalable programs that support the integration of newcomers. The organization understands that integration is neither a quick nor simple process, but rather a series of steps that require time, ongoing support, and coordinated action among local authorities, community organizations, and the general public.
For AFL, integration goes beyond mere adaptation to a new environment. It is a comprehensive process that seeks to ensure the full inclusion of migrants and their children in all aspects of social, economic, and cultural life. This means guaranteeing access to healthcare, education, employment, and housing, as well as promoting active participation in the community and in public life. Additionally, it is essential to support their socio-emotional well-being, helping them overcome the trauma many have experienced during their journey and adjust to the new realities of life in New York.
Integration also means working to ensure that host communities do not experience a decline in their well-being but rather benefit from the diversity that migrants bring, creating an inclusive and thriving environment for all. AFL aims to ensure that newcomers not only survive, but have the opportunity to thrive in their new home.