Mayor Eric Adams’ approach to the migrant crisis plaguing New York City’s homeless-shelter population is limited to acquiring funds from Washington. This strategy has proven ineffective for the past year due to two significant political factors. From the perspective of national Democrats, federal aid would have minimal impact in a primarily Democratic state like New York. Alternatively, federal aid may exacerbate the problem, increasing visibility among swing voters nationwide. By continually employing the same unsuccessful tactics, Mayor Adams fits the definition of insanity. His recent statement emphasizes the city’s reliance on its own efforts to address the crisis while compelling Washington for assistance. However, he overlooks the fact that New York’s policies have contributed to the situation. Mayor Adams has been grappling with the rising number of migrants arriving in NYC.
President Joe Biden’s failure to secure the border, along with a lack of a rational immigration and asylum policy enforced by Congress, has drawn criticism. New York stands out as the only city determined to provide indefinite shelter to every individual arriving from anywhere in the world, for any reason. As the mayor stated, “What we are doing is what you don’t see any other municipality doing.” However, this approach lacks logical reasoning. In the past, immigrants in New York managed to find their own jobs and housing, albeit through unofficial means. While not ideal, this system worked. The current issue arises from the city competing with tourists and business travelers for hotel rooms, driving up prices to accommodate an unlimited number of newcomers from different continents.
Mayor Adams justifies his actions by citing the city’s “right to shelter” obligation. However, the state’s highest court has never clarified the basis of this obligation, specifically whether the directive in the state constitution to aid the “needy” includes a right to shelter. Mayor Adams could challenge whether this supposed “right” applies to individuals with no ties to New York City, but he has not done so. Instead, he follows the precedent set after major crises like 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking billions in funding from Washington. White House insiders may question the motivations behind President Biden’s involvement. Mayor Adams has expressed his desire for the federal government to house migrants on federal properties in Brooklyn and Staten Island.
New Yorkers may wonder what their options are if they receive the cold shoulder from Washington. During 9/11, New York was governed by Republicans at both the state and city level. Similarly, the city benefitted from personal connections between the president at the time, Barack Obama, and the city during the 2008 financial crisis and the Trump era in relation to COVID-19. However, President Biden lacks personal ties to New York, and the state’s role in next year’s election is inconsequential. Although a Trumpian Republican, Lee Zeldin came close to winning the governorship last year, and the Democrats lost the House in New York, both outcomes were driven by dissatisfaction with state politicians regarding crime and quality of life, rather than national issues. Therefore, there is no political advantage in sending billions of dollars to New York, but plenty of drawbacks. Announcing open-ended funding for housing migrants in midtown Manhattan would amplify the message worldwide and potentially encourage more border crossings.
Mayor Adams has also advocated for federal housing of migrants on federal properties in Brooklyn and Staten Island. However, the White House rejected the Brooklyn site over the weekend, embarrassing the governor who made the request. Does Mayor Adams truly believe that the White House wants to convey a message to potential border crossers, stating, “Come to New York, the federal government has a bed waiting for you on a military base”? This narrative would create the perception that President Biden’s promise to guarantee unlimited migrant housing in the country’s most expensive city, even on federal property, causes another surge at the border.
Furthermore, if the city were to run any shelter on federal properties, Washington would relinquish control of the sites while maintaining responsibility in the eyes of national voters. This scenario poses significant risks, from subpar food to sexual assaults. Consequently, the White House’s disdain for New York has political advantages. By disregarding New York’s demands, Washington not only avoids potential risks but also reduces its own political vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, Mayor Adams’ approach of seeking funds from Washington to address the migrant crisis is flawed. New York’s unique approach of providing indefinite shelter to all newcomers lacks practicality and only aggravates the problem. The White House’s refusal to accommodate New York’s requests reflects the lack of political incentives related to the state’s upcoming elections. Moreover, by rejecting these demands, Washington can mitigate risk and maintain control over federal properties, shielding itself from potential failures that may arise. It is clear that a change in strategy is necessary to effectively manage the migrant crisis wreaking havoc in New York City.
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