The mayor of New York City, a Democrat, is under fire for implementing a policy that limited the length of time migrants could stay in city shelters to 60 days. The implementation of this policy was found to be rushed and lacking clear objectives or written protocols in a report by Comptroller Brad Lander. The policy was put in place in response to an influx of new arrivals in the sanctuary city who were overwhelming the system. Despite Mayor Eric Adams’ repeated calls for federal assistance, the policy was implemented without adequate planning.
The policy required families with children to be given a 60-day notice before being evicted from shelters, with assistance in finding alternative housing and additional casework services. However, the comptroller’s report found that the rule was launched without clear objectives and that the case management provided was inadequate. The implementation of the policy was described as haphazard, with key elements of the program lacking written policies. Pregnant women were evicted before an exemption was announced, and families were not adequately informed of their rights regarding shelter access.
The report also highlighted how the policy hindered migrants’ ability to obtain work authorization and unemployment benefits, and criticized the city for not evaluating the program’s effectiveness. Lander’s office recommended that the city end the rule and implement more humane and long-term strategies, provide clearer information to migrants, and track program effectiveness through competitive bidding for providers. The mayor’s office defended their actions, highlighting their record of assisting the influx of migrants and providing essential services to thousands of individuals in need.
New York City has seen over 195,000 migrants come through their care since the spring of 2022, with over 65,600 still in the shelter system. The city’s officials emphasized the challenges they face with the overwhelming numbers and defended the use of 30-and-60-day notices as a necessary tool to help migrants exit shelters. They cited the success of over half of families and over 65% of migrants leaving the shelter system without anyone being forced to sleep on the streets. The city government called for federal support and a national solution to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Mayor Adams has been vocal about his handling of the migrant crisis and criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott for busing migrants to New York City. Adams offered Abbott a stay in one of the shelter centers to witness firsthand the conditions and the city’s treatment of migrants. The mayor reiterated the need for dignity and respect in dealing with the situation and called for a comprehensive approach to address the national issue. Despite the criticism, the city government continues to prioritize the well-being of migrants and work towards finding sustainable solutions to the ongoing crisis.
