Immigration in Ulster County, NY

Immigrants in Ulster County

Ulster County is home to more than 180,000 people, about 7% of whom were born outside of the United States. Immigrants come from a variety of countries, mostly from the Western hemisphere such as Mexico, El Salvador, Jamaica, and other countries. 

The city of Kingston is home to many of the county’s immigrants, who have set up many shops and businesses. Walking or driving along Broadway, you’ll find local eateries such as Calcutta Kitchens (Indian), La Hacienda (Mexican), and JJ Eva Spice (Jamaican).

The city holds a festival each year around September 16 to celebrate Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821, with music, food, and family activities available. 

International Students in New Paltz

The State University of New York (SUNY) operates a location in New Paltz, with over 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Of these, more than 500 are considered international students, meaning students born outside of the United States who either hold student visas or some other temporary immigration status, such as DACA. 

SUNY New Paltz prides itself on being a diverse, internationally-minded university. Students come from over 70 countries, such as India, Brazil, China, and Indonesia. Many of these students will transition to other visa types after graduation, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), an H-1b visa for professionals, or even employment-based green card sponsorship. Many students also go on to find love and become green card holders through marriage to an American citizen. 

Mohonk Mountain House

Located in New Paltz, the Mohonk Mountain House is a three-star hotel offering world-class dining, hiking, tennis, golf, kayaking, and swimming in a pristine mountain natural setting. Since 2013, Mohonk has brought international students to New Paltz to work at the resort as hospitality workers during the peak season each summer. Typically, these kinds of programs involve either a J-1 exchange visa, an H-2b seasonal worker visa, or a Q-1 cultural exchange visa. 

Ulster County Immigration Lawyer

If you live or work in Ulster County and are exploring your immigration options, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney. Please get in touch today: +1 845-288-2435 / beaconimmigrationlawyer@gmail.com. 

Beacon Immigration PLLC is a law firm located in the Hudson Valley of New York at 6 Eliza Street, Suite 5, Beacon, NY 12508 (Dutchess County).