Increasing numbers of migrant youth are entering the United States, fleeing from Central America due to the violence and extreme poverty they face there. Many come in search of their parents or other relatives who are residing here either legally or illegally. This year alone, it is expected that 90,000 youth will be detained and face deportation proceedings, which can take up to four years or more. Many are residing either temporarily or permanently in New York State during this time. While immigration and deportation proceedings are federal issues, many youth must go before Family courts, and some become charges of the State. It is the goal of the Assembly through interaction with State agencies and the people who work with these youth, providing residence, health care, and legal services, to determine what the State is and should be doing to better serve these youth and the residents of New York.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committees will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committees would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Michele Titus
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Social Services

Donna Lupardo
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Children and Families

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Persons invited to present testimony at the public hearing on New York State's role in handling the influx of migrant youth from Central American countries are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: