From the Archives: IIB Explains Different Immigration Designations

Watch the Video Here

Given the news, you may have wondered what the differences between refugees, migrants, asylees, and asylum seekers are? It can be confusing to keep up with the various designations, what they entail, and what they mean to Western New York.

Recent moves across the U.S. to transport migrants and asylum seekers from city-to-city and state-to-state sparked additional interest in the distinctions between each group, along with what goes into supporting them, and the cities navigating a rise in cases.

Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi sat down with WGRZ TV a few months ago to detail each group’s key characteristics. A few months back, Governor Kathy Hochul announced new financial commitments to assist NY York City’s effort to shelter and support these individuals. NY Mayor Eric Adams’ call to transport migrants to other areas upstate, including Buffalo, piqued local interest back then. Even though there have been some changes in the Biden administration’s approach to things, the information still very helpful.

Watch Rizzo-Choi’s extended breakdown of the different immigration designations, along with how U.S. law dictates the kind of support that is allowed for each. Watch the Video Here