June 2026 Newsletter - Ongoing Threats to Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Ongoing Threats to Refugees and Asylum Applicants

The Federal government is systematically making it more difficult for refugees and asylum applicants to succeed in their effort to resettle in our communities. In addition to very visible intimidation by ICE and Border Control agents, ongoing legislative and executive actions are clearly intended to encourage self-deportation.

For example, work permits are delayed, have shorter durations, and are increasingly difficult to renew, making it harder for families to support themselves. The administration has also declared that receiving SNAP/food stamps or other public benefits now can jeopardize asylum, green card, and citizenship applications. As a result, many resettled families who decide to drop public support may now face food insecurity.

In addition, eligibility for Medicaid and government-subsidized health insurance (Affordable Care Act or “ACA” policies) are being reduced or eliminated, which could burden most non-citizens and recently approved Green Card holders with potentially thousands of dollars in healthcare expenses that many cannot afford. As a result:

• Faced with cutbacks in Federal funding, New York State is eliminating its expanded subsidy for ACA health insurance premiums in July, so that a family with a household income at or above 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will no longer receive a subsidy. The 2026 FPL for a family of four is $33,000, so no subsidy for a household income of $66,000 or more. 

• Refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, and illegal trafficking/domestic violence survivors will lose all access to Federally funded Medicaid in October.

• Federal matching funds for emergency medical services used by non-citizens are already reduced.

• Medicare eligibility for most refugees and people granted asylum will be eliminated in January 2027, regardless of how long they have worked and paid into the system. This includes people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), survivors of human trafficking, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals granted humanitarian parole.

• The ACA subsidies for lawfully present non-citizens with incomes below 100% of the FPL were eliminated this past January. ACA subsidies for most refugees, asylees, and TPS holders with incomes at or above the FPL ($33,000 for a family of four) will be eliminated in January 2027.

Take Action in Support of Our Client Families

Neighbors for Refugees is taking action to support our client families. Our Medical Support Committee has set aside funds for basic care, as needed. We are partnering with care providers who plan to expand “open door” medical clinics and are actively researching other resources for health maintenance and preventive care. 

Our Economic Support Committee is evaluating requests for food and housing support when families lose jobs and public benefits. 

Both of these efforts require a sensitive and confidential evaluation of our client families’ economic status. 

Volunteers Needed

We have a pressing need for help in three areas:

• Health insurance expertise to assist the Medical Support Committee in researching insurance and provider resources for health maintenance and preventive care

• Book-keeping experience to work with the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer

• Communications and advocacy, to further Neighbors’ mission to educate and to encourage constituents to engage with elected officials to support refugees in our communities.

To volunteer, please contact info@neighborsforrefugees.org or complete our volunteer form in the “get involved” tab on our website.