In a significant shift in policy, New York City has announced changes to the contentious 60-day eviction rule affecting migrant families living in city shelters. This policy, which has faced widespread criticism for forcing families to move every two months, has been particularly disruptive for children’s education as it often necessitated transferring them to new schools. Under the new guidelines, families with children in grades K-6 will only be required to relocate once after their initial two months in a shelter, allowing them to remain in the same facility thereafter as they continue to reapply for shelter beds. This adjustment aims to reduce the educational turmoil these moves create, as families can maintain their connection to their original schools for a longer duration.
The decision to modify the existing policy comes in light of a reduction in the number of migrants arriving in the city, which has enabled officials to close some emergency shelters. City representatives suggest that this policy change will lead to significant savings, particularly in transportation costs for school children who would otherwise have to be shuttled between shelters and schools. Although specific financial estimates were not provided, Mayor Eric Adams expressed optimism that these measures would bolster the city’s ability to assist migrants while alleviating financial burdens on taxpayers. Furthermore, the city plans to establish a centralized mail center for migrants, which aims to help families manage essential documents amid frequent address changes.
Advocates for migrant families have been critical of the original 60-day rule, highlighting the negative impact on children’s education and the additional stress it placed on families. While the new policy is seen as a positive step forward, many advocates assert that it falls short of addressing the fundamental issues that still cause instability for families in shelters. With almost 14,000 migrant families receiving 60-day eviction notices to date, there remains uncertainty about how the new rules will practically affect those still in the shelter system, particularly regarding the transition of children in grades K-6.
While some advocacy groups commend the change, they argue it is inadequate to meet the needs of all families. Jennifer Pringle, the director of the Learners in Temporary Housing Project, stated that simply allowing some families to maintain their placements does not sufficiently alleviate the challenges posed by the 60-day eviction rule. Advocates emphasize that eliminating the rule entirely would lead to improved attendance rates and educational consistency for children who are already facing barriers in their academic journeys due to homelessness and instability.
Christine Quinn, the CEO of WIN, a supportive housing provider for families, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for more comprehensive reform that would completely remove the arbitrary 60-day limit. She argued that the policy creates an environment of uncertainty and trauma for countless families, perpetuating a cycle of instability that affects emotional well-being and educational opportunities. Quinn and others have called on city officials to end the practice of administrative transfers and the rigid time limits on shelter stays for good.
As the city moves forward with these revised policies, it will inevitably face scrutiny from advocates, families, and lawmakers alike. The City Council’s immigration committee is set to hold an oversight hearing to further discuss the ramifications of the 60-day policy and assess whether additional changes are warranted. The outcomes of these discussions could influence the path toward more effective support systems for migrant families in New York City, as champions for these families continue to push for a more humane and stable approach to shelter residency and stability.
