January 4th 2024.
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City is pushing for the revision of the ‘right to shelter’ rule, a legal requirement to provide housing to anyone who requests it, which dates back to the 1980s. Adams made it clear during a January 2 press conference that the rule should not apply to the current migrant influx. “These people are paroled into the country that has nothing to do with it,” he said. “We are obligated [to provide housing], and that’s why we’re in court saying that the right to shelter should not have an impact on this migrant crisis. This is a real problem.”
Since the rule was put in place, over 161,000 asylum seekers have sought shelter in New York City since Spring 2022. Private mediation is currently underway, though no court date has been set yet. Migrant advocacy groups are hoping that both sides can reach a mutual agreement.
The impact of the influx of migrants is evident in the East Village neighborhood, where dozens are lining up to receive wristbands with numbers and dates indicating how many people are before them in line. The former St. Brigid’s Catholic School on East 7th Street has been an especially popular destination for migrants. Unfortunately, with the cold temperatures of New York City, many are being forced to sleep on the streets while waiting for a cot.
Close to 70,000 asylum seekers are being cared for by the city in over 200 makeshift shelters. This has led to some debate among lawmakers, with some arguing that the ‘right to shelter’ rule is making New York City an appealing destination for migrants and Texas Governor Greg Abbott continues to send them to ‘sanctuary cities’. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who initially was against the mayor’s proposal to tweak the rule, is now defending him. “We do not have the ability to house the entire world,” she said.
It remains to be seen how the legal battle over the ‘right to shelter’ rule will turn out. What is certain however, is that the influx of migrants in New York City is having a profound impact on the city and its people.
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