Mayor Eric Adams recently returned from his tour of Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia, but the influx of migrants into New York City continues. Unfortunately, the mayor’s excursion failed to address the root causes of migration: loose border policies and the city’s right to shelter.
During his four-day tour, Mayor Adams seemed inconsistent in his messaging, particularly when asked about the country’s changing ideals on welcoming immigrants. Instead of providing a clear answer, he responded with “We said give us your tired” and “put that call out.” This lack of clarity is not helpful in addressing the migrant crisis.
Furthermore, Mayor Adams mentioned that New York City has $30 billion to deal with poverty, with $12 billion specifically allocated for the crisis. While this may seem like a significant amount of money, potential migrants are likely to interpret it as a sign that the city can accommodate more people in need of shelter.
In Colombia, the mayor praised the government for establishing offices that offer a safe and legal pathway from Colombia to the US. He expressed a desire to work together to create additional legal pathways for migrants. This message, when translated into Spanish and shared on social media, may give potential migrants the impression that they are welcome in New York City.
It is concerning that Mayor Adams did not express support for President Joe Biden’s efforts to tighten border security. While the White House announced plans to deport recent arrivals and resume building the border wall, Mayor Adams stated that the borders should remain open, maintaining the official position of New York City. This lack of support may undermine the White House’s efforts to address the border crisis.
Lastly, the issue of the right to shelter remains unresolved. Mayor Adams has not questioned the right itself, but rather suggested a temporary suspension for single adults. This stance is contradictory, as it acknowledges the existence of the right while seeking to suspend it for certain individuals. To resolve this issue, the right to shelter should be challenged in court to determine its validity.
In conclusion, potential migrants who have been listening to Mayor Adams may perceive that New York City welcomes them, as the mayor has expressed support for open borders, mentioned the city’s financial resources, and acknowledged the right to shelter. This perception has already led to an increase in arrivals. It is crucial for the mayor to address the root causes of migration and work towards a comprehensive solution.
Nicole Gelinas is a contributing editor to the Manhattan Institute’s City Journal.
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