New York City to Close 25 Shelters for Caribbean and Other Migrants

Shelter Closures Due to Successful Asylum Seeker Management Strategies

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced the closure of 25 shelters in the next two months that were being used to provide shelter for Caribbean and other migrants. The closure is due to the administration’s successful asylum seeker management strategies that have continued to drive down the number of people in the city’s care and reduce costs.

Reduced Number of Asylum Seekers in City Shelters

Adams said that the number of asylum seekers in city shelters has decreased to its lowest point in over 17 months. The mayor attributed this success to the administration’s advocacy for executive orders at the border by the Biden-Harris administration, which have significantly reduced the rate at which Caribbean and other asylum seekers are arriving in the city and seeking care.

Immigration Advocates’ Concerns

Immigration advocates, however, have expressed concerns about the closure of the shelters. They argue that many of the migrants arriving in New York from the southern border of the United States seeking asylum and refugee statuses are nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. They also worry that the city’s plan to prioritize creating pathways to permanent housing may not be sufficient to address the needs of all migrant families.

Conclusion

The closure of the 25 shelters is a significant step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the influx of migrants in New York City. While the city’s efforts to reduce the number of asylum seekers in its care are commendable, it is essential to ensure that the needs of all migrant families are met. The city must prioritize creating pathways to permanent housing that provide stability and dignity, ensuring immigrant New Yorkers can build their lives here and contribute to our communities.

FAQs

Q: Why are the shelters being closed?
A: The shelters are being closed due to the administration’s successful asylum seeker management strategies that have continued to drive down the number of people in the city’s care and reduce costs.

Q: What will happen to the migrants who were living in the shelters?
A: The city will continue to provide support and resources to help migrants transition to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

Q: What is the city’s plan for addressing the needs of migrant families?
A: The city plans to prioritize creating pathways to permanent housing that provide stability and dignity, ensuring immigrant New Yorkers can build their lives here and contribute to our communities.