When Texas’s Republican Governor, Greg Abbott, began transporting migrants to New York and other liberal cities over a year ago, it was met with criticism from Democrats who deemed it cynical, inhumane, and a political tactic. However, despite these negative reactions, Abbott’s strategy has been effective.
The crisis that Abbott exported to New York has not only caused tension between former Democratic allies, resulting in blame-shifting and an inability to form a coherent response, but it has also shifted national attention towards an issue Republicans favor—migration and the chaotic southern border—while diverting attention away from a topic they would prefer to downplay: abortion.
Travis Terry, the president of Capalino, a New York lobbying and advisory firm, described Abbott’s move as “red meat to their base” because Republicans believe they are making New York feel the consequences of their actions. Terry also predicts that this heated political issue will only continue to grow in significance.
The number of migrants heading to New York City from Texas has far exceeded Abbott’s initial figures, with over 118,000 migrants arriving since the spring of 2022, and there is no sign of it slowing down. Some recent arrivals chose New York for its services and opportunities, while others felt they had little choice.
Last week, the Biden administration reached a turning point in the crisis by granting temporary protection status to around 500,000 Venezuelan asylum-seekers who arrived before July 31, as per the request of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This policy shift would allow these migrants to begin legally working in the country rather than waiting 150 days after applying for asylum to request special work authorization. The hope is that if migrants can work and support themselves, it will alleviate some of the pressure on a city currently caring for over 61,000 asylum seekers, a figure that Adams warned could have devastating consequences for New York.
However, shortly after expressing gratitude to President Joe Biden, Mayor Adams once again warned of dire consequences if protected status is not extended to other migrants. He has also called for a national strategy to resettle migrants and requested federal aid to cover an estimated $12 billion bill. Adams stated unequivocally, “This is going to be extremely devastating for our city.”
Republican critics, such as Oklahoma Senator James Lankford, cautioned that Biden’s actions would only exacerbate the problem by attracting more migrants, a possibility that some Democrats do not dismiss.
The recent policy change regarding protected status left asylum-seekers like Francisco Rojas confused rather than elated. Rojas has spent the past year living in the shadows of America’s informal economy, moving between New York, Chicago, and Florida. He wondered if he would need to register for the new status, and if so, where, and whether it would be applicable in all states.
Even New York City officials seemed to be in the dark about the details of the new policy after its hasty announcement. One official noted that the online application for protected status carries a $410 fee, adding, “Most asylum-seekers don’t have $410 lying around.”
New York City has been kept in the dark by the federal administration, which has been unwilling to meet with Mayor Adams and has criticized the city’s handling of the crisis. This is a departure from a year ago when the two politicians enjoyed a friendly relationship, with Adams playfully dubbing himself “the Biden of Brooklyn.” Tensions have also arisen recently between the Adams administration and New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
According to a prominent New York City Democrat, this is an existential crisis for Democrats as the party has largely ignored the border states’ pleas, and members are now being tested on whether they can uphold their stated values.
Governor Phil Murphy of neighboring New Jersey, who campaigned as a pro-immigration Democrat six years ago, has since rejected the idea of housing immigrants at the Atlantic City International Airport or anywhere else in the state.
In New York, there have been acts of charity and generosity in a city that prides itself as an embodiment of immigrant talent and ambition. However, signs of strain are becoming apparent. In a recent incident, protesters on Staten Island hurled insults while attempting to block a bus carrying asylum-seekers to a senior assisted-living residence called “Island Shores.”
The crisis has posed a political challenge for Mayor Adams, who had expected to lead the city’s post-pandemic revitalization with his optimistic persona but instead finds himself entangled in the complicated issue of migration. The city has taken legal action to contest a 1970s ruling that requires providing shelter to all people, arguing that it was not intended for a humanitarian crisis of this magnitude. Additionally, the mayor has ordered all departments to reduce their budgets by 15% to offset the cost of caring for the large number of migrants with limited federal assistance.
Critics have accused Adams of not doing enough for migrants, particularly last month when overcrowded conditions forced many to sleep on the sidewalks outside the historic Roosevelt Hotel, which has been repurposed as a processing center. However, he also faces criticism from those who believe he is prioritizing newcomers over struggling residents.
Addressing the crisis presents a difficult situation for Biden, according to political strategist Hank Sheinkopf. Providing more money and relief to New York City would be unpopular in the rest of the country, while the influx of migrants is stirring up fears among suburban residents, an area where Democrats need to gain support.
Of Abbott’s actions, Sheinkopf said, “He’s put Biden in a position where he’s absolutely stuck.”
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