Forum Scheduled To Dispel Myths About Migrants In The Hudson Valley

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Neighbors Link, an immigrant services nonprofit in the Hudson Valley, and Westchester Community College, will host a panel discussion Nov. 1 in an attempt to dispel many myths surrounding the settling of migrants in the region.

It is open to the public.

"Since last spring, more than 126,000 migrants have arrived in New York City and a few thousand people have moved out of New York City up to the Hudson Valley and other parts of the state," Carola Otero Bracco, Executive Director of Neighbors Link, told Patch. "While the influx of many new arrivals over a relatively short period of time causes short-term challenges, it also offers many long-term opportunities.

"The panel discussion will present the opportunities that exist if we welcome new arrivals and integrate them into our communities. For example, New York has faced issues with slowing population growth for years and is experiencing labor shortages in several key industries, including healthcare, childcare and hospitality. Immigration is an important key in recovering the labor force and tax base. The panelists will discuss the ways that the business, academic, non-profit and government sectors can make the most of this moment to welcome new arrivals and ensure they have the opportunity to build self-sufficient lives in New York."

Featured panelists will also address the challenges and hurdles that prevent communities from making the most of the situation.

Participating in the event are New York Secretary of State, Robert Rodriguez; President of SUNY Westchester Community College, Belinda Miles; Chairman and CEO of RPW Group, Robert Weisz; and Executive Director of Neighbors Link, Carola Otero Bracco. Joe Torres, News Anchor for Eyewitness News and host of the public affairs program, Tiempo, will be the moderator.

• WHAT: Let’s Talk about Current Trends in Immigration
• WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023
• WHERE: SUNY Westchester Community College, Hankin Auditorium, Academic Arts Building, 75 Grasslands Rd, Valhalla, NY 10595. Upon your arrival at the campus, we suggest that you park in Parking Lot 4. Hankin Auditorium is located in the Academic Arts building, which is a short uphill walk from the parking lot.

Tickets start at $50. To purchase tickets, click here.

The mission of Neighbors Link, which has locations in Mount Kisco, Ossining and Yonkers, is to strengthen the whole community by enhancing the healthy integration of immigrants. For more information visit www.neighborslink.org.