New York City Mayor Eric Adams has intensified his migrant "decompression strategy," asserting that preventing asylum seekers from working legally contradicts American values. During a press conference focused on the city's progress in transitioning homeless individuals into permanent housing, Mayor Adams addressed inquiries about his strategy of relocating migrants to other parts of the state. He emphasized the strain on the city's resources due to the influx of approximately 84,000 migrants, highlighting the seeming contradiction of welcoming individuals to America while simultaneously denying them the opportunity to work.
Mayor Adams criticized the practice of preventing these individuals from contributing to society, drawing parallels to the experiences of immigrant families throughout American history. He noted the city's full capacity and the ongoing challenges faced by New Yorkers. He also contrasted his approach with that of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, whose bussing program transported migrants from the southern border to New York City and other urban centers. Adams's own relocation efforts have encountered legal challenges from predominantly Republican-led jurisdictions within New York state, who have filed lawsuits against the city for sending migrants upstate.
Hundreds of migrants line up outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building on June 6, 2023, in New York City. (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
Adams acknowledged the ongoing migrant situation, describing it as a "silent crisis" with hundreds arriving weekly. He stated that approximately 54,100 asylum seekers remain under the city's care. He commended efforts to prevent widespread homelessness, contrasting New York City's situation with other municipalities where individuals are forced to live in tents on the streets. The mayor advocated for a statewide decompression strategy, emphasizing the need for assistance from both the national and state governments.
Hundreds of asylum seekers line up outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building on June 6, 2023, in New York City. Mayor Eric Adams is calling on President Biden for expedited work authorization for asylum seekers. (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
Referencing recent severe weather events in the Hudson Valley, Adams underscored New York City's history of supporting the entire state during times of crisis and called for reciprocal assistance with the migrant influx. He labeled the current situation "unsustainable" and, along with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, urged President Biden to expedite work authorization for asylum seekers. New York City Immigration Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the migrants' desire to work and contribute to the city.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a press conference at City Hall on May 11, 2023. (Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Daily News via Getty Image)
In addition to addressing the migrant issue, Adams announced improvements in the city's response to homelessness, citing a 17% year-over-year increase in shelter-to-permanent-housing placements and a record number of households connected to CityFHEPS vouchers.
