City facing economic strain
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has expressed his frustration and concern over the influx of migrants into the city, calling for urgent federal assistance. Adams, who has met with President Biden’s officials multiple times, highlighted the economic strain caused by the wave of migrants. He emphasized that New York City is the economic engine of the state and the country, and without federal aid, the city’s future is at risk.
Coalition of mayors seeks federal support
Adams revealed that a coalition of mayors from other cities affected by the migrant crisis has joined forces to put pressure on the federal government. They are collectively demanding $5 billion in assistance from the Biden administration, along with expedited work permits and assistance with resettlement. The growing chorus of cities joining this cause brings hope to Adams, who believes that unity among affected cities will lead to a stronger voice in Washington.
Concerns over city’s future
Over the past year, New York City has seen over 150,000 migrants enter its shelter system. While this number may seem small compared to the millions encountered at the border, Adams warns that the continuous flow of migrants could potentially “destroy” the city. To cope with the crisis, the city has been forced to make budget cuts in crucial areas such as policing, education, and sanitation. The financial burden of the crisis is immense, and Adams is determined to find a solution.
Tensions between local and federal governments
Adams has been vocal in his criticism of both Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the federal government. He believes that Texas’s decision to send buses of migrants to “sanctuary” cities, including New York City, has worsened the situation. While Adams has met with White House officials, including discussions with top adviser Tom Perez, he has yet to have a sit-down meeting with President Biden himself. This has led to tensions between the local and federal administrations.
Federal assistance and ongoing debates
The Biden administration has previously provided funding to cities like New York City and offered support teams to aid in processing work permits and providing recommendations for improvement. However, Adams insists that additional funding is urgently required and has called on Congress to allocate more resources. Unfortunately, the budget supplemental, which includes this funding, is currently held up in Washington, D.C., as lawmakers debate further restrictions on asylum. A resolution is not expected until early 2024. Meanwhile, Customs and Border Protection reported a record-breaking number of over 242,000 migrant encounters at the southern border in November, further highlighting the urgency of the situation.