Since April of last year, more than 90,000 immigrants, mostly from Central and South America, have arrived in New York, putting great pressure on city services. Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, announced at a press conference that there is no more space to receive new immigrants and that the city is already at its limit.
This influx of immigrants has occurred in part because some Republican-ruled states, such as Texas, are moving migrants to Democratic-controlled areas as a form of protest against President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.
Currently, nearly 106,000 people, including some 54,000 migrants, live in New York City’s care, either in shelters or hotels, according to authorities.
Mayor Adams announced that a brochure will be distributed in English and Spanish warning asylum seekers about the high cost of living in New York, including food, transportation, and other basic necessities, noting that it is the most expensive city in the United States. The brochure will recommend that they consider other cities to settle in the United States since there is no guarantee that the city will be able to provide them with shelter and services.
In addition, it was announced that single adult migrants will have to reapply for refuge after 60 days to free up space for families with children. The City will commit to helping migrants find alternative accommodations with friends, family, or support networks.
Despite New York’s history as a sanctuary for immigrants, Mayor Adams is taking steps to gradually restrict the number of new arrivals. However, his actions have been criticized, accusing him of violating housing laws, which require the city to provide housing to those who need it. The New York branch of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has described the mayor’s plan as “cruel” and “illegal.”