Refugees and Displaced Persons in Troy

Introduction

Refugees and displaced persons have been settled in Troy New York as early as the civil war. Some of the earlier refugees were escaped slaves who arrived in troy on after following the underground railroad. Recently Troy has seen an increase in refugees from Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict in their home country.

Refugee Resettlement

Refugee resettlement in Troy is facilitated by local resettlement agencies, including the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), Catholic Charities, and the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE). These organizations work to provide refugees with necessary services and support, including housing assistance, language and cultural training, job placement, and medical assistance.

Ilves Family

After the reoccupation of Estonia by Soviet forces in 1945, the Ilves family fled to Sweden where they remained for 6 years. After raising and repairing a sunken 64 foot auxiliary schooner, the Ilves family; brothers William (48) and Edward (46), William's Wife Alide, and daughters Helgi (9) and Eve(8), set sail with 5 additional Estonian refugees and one Polish refugee. After a 73 day crossing of the Atlantic ocean, the schooner, captained by William Ilves, was caught in a hurricane off the coast of Florida. After failing to hail a U.S. Coast Guard cutter with SOS calls, the ship was forced to illegally make port in Fort Pierce Florida. After a brief detention in Florida, the Ilves family was moved to Ellis Island where they lived awaiting the conclusion of a deportation hearing. While on Ellis Island Alide gave birth to Billy Ilves. After being granted asylum the Ilves family moved to Troy New York where they lived with families that agreed to support them temporarily. During this time William and Edward worked in construction as laborers. Notably they worked on the capitol plaza including the famous Albany Egg. The Ilves family were eventually granted citizenship in a ceremony in Albany and later settled in West Sand Lake

Impact on Troy and the Capital region

Refugees in Troy, New York have made significant contributions to the community despite facing numerous challenges. The resettlement agencies and community-based organizations have played a vital role in facilitating their integration into the community. In years past refugees helped build the capital region. Today, refugees are a functioning part of the troy and capital region economy having contributed 8% of the state GDP whilst only accounting for 6.5% of the population. Additionally large number of refugees improve the community by creating jobs. The NYSBA estimates that roughly 8.6% of all entrepreneurs held or had previously held refugee status.

References

https://nysba.org/refugees-in-upstate-new-york-a-little-known-success-story/

Rebassoo, Eve Maria, and James M Taylor. Ilves Family - Life as Refugees. Other, n.d.

“Refugees Leave Fort Pierce For N.Y. Deportation Hearing.” Miami Daily News. October 4, 1951.

Wilder, ed. “Refugees Who Crossed Sea in Sailboat Become Citizens in Albany Ceremony.” Times Union. n.d.