At a rally outside Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza on Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams continued his pleas to President Biden’s administration for more help in addressing the ongoing migrant crisis, approve temporary work authorizations for the new arrivals, and more money to house them.
Adams said, “There is no reason the national government is not standing true to the basic principle of the American experience to allow you the right to work. It is unacceptable.”
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Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso was joined by Mayor Eric Adams, fellow elected officials, labor leaders, and immigrants’ rights groups at Brooklyn Borough Hall to call for federal and state government funding and involvement from the private sector to help New York City serve asylum-seekers. Nearly 100,000 asylum-seekers have arrived in NYC since spring 2022, and a record 108,400 people are currently sleeping in city shelters.
“Today, our call to action is loud and clear: the Federal and State administrations and private sector must aid New York City in addressing the migrant crisis – the well-being of our city demands it,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “As Borough President, I am ready to do my part in welcoming our new neighbors – earlier this summer, I offered to the Adams Administration that Borough Hall could be used as a shelter for migrants, a promise that I stand ready to fulfill. The City of New York is stepping up to provide for our new neighbors, but we cannot do it alone, and many of the partners that we need have been absent for far too long. I implore President Biden, Governor Hochul, and the private sector to step up.”
In May, Borough President Reynoso proposed immediate legal opportunities for Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and the New York City Council to open up tens of thousands of NYC apartments for New Yorkers living in city shelters and expand immediate and long-term housing opportunities across the state – including inviting the Mayor to use Brooklyn Borough Hall as a shelter for migrants.
“President Biden and Governor Hochul have so far failed to galvanize the full weight of the Federal and State governments to ensure the humane treatment of new arrivals to New York City and the City’s compliance with all Right to Shelter court orders and local laws,” said Adriene Holder, Chief Attorney of the Civil Practice at The Legal Aid Society. “This moment demands urgency from both the Biden and Hochul administration, and we call on the Governor for increased resources in the form of funding, facilities, staffing, coordination and more, as legally obligated under New York State’s Constitution.”
“The immigration system and influx of people seeking asylum is a national issue that the federal government is leaving New York City to solve,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. “Until we get adequate federal resources and state support, the city is being forced to choose from the best of bad options. We have an obligation to meet this humanitarian crisis, and the federal government has an obligation to provide aid. I thank the Borough President for amplifying the needs of our new and aspiring New Yorkers and urge federal officials to see the urgency and scope of this emergency – to finally step up, not turn away.”
“While New York City remains a welcoming harbor for new arrivals seeking safety and opportunity, we cannot do so without State and federal partner,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “The right to shelter is grounded in the State’s constitution, so New York State must step up to fulfill with additional resources and coordination across localities. As enacting immigration policies is a federal responsibility, Washington must accelerate work permits and expand resources to resettle refugees, so our new neighbors can support their families and our city can flourish.”
“New Yorkers are stepping up and standing in solidarity with migrants in crisis; it would be truly shameful if our own Governor and President were unwilling to follow their example and show New York City that same level of solidarity in this moment,” said State Senator Jabari Brisport.
“The Statue of Liberty’s torch is a beacon for all who seek shelter in this great city. However, the federal government has left those seeking refuge without a life raft to support themselves or their families,” said Assembly Member Brian A. Cunningham. “I am proud to join the chorus of elected officials calling for cross-collaborative partnerships to help the City‘s latest newcomers, so we do not fall victim to past mistakes.”
“Asylum-seekers in New York need coordinated and cooperative action from all levels of government, including expedited work authorization and dignified housing,” said Assembly Member Emily Gallagher. “Living up to our ideals and obligations should not fall solely on the City of New York. The right to shelter must extend statewide while we continue to pressure the federal administration into action. I thank Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso for gathering elected officials across the ideological spectrum to speak out with urgency.”
“New York City must step up as we have done many times in our history to provide for everyone in New York, new and old. But we are going to need some help,” said Assembly Member Robert Carroll. “This is not just an issue of welcoming asylum seekers. This is a question of answering the long-standing challenge of providing housing and basic needs for all New Yorkers. The City, State, and Federal governments need to work together to each do their part.”
“As the Chair of the Assembly Task Force on New Americans, I urge both the State and federal governments to rise above political and geographic divisions, to recognize that this crisis knows no boundaries, and to stand united with New York City in meeting the urgent needs of this moment,” said Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest. “The voices of those who have endured unimaginable hardships echo through our streets, pleading for help and a chance at a better life. The clock is ticking, and each passing moment brings more hazard and uncertainty. Our response will define us as a city and a nation. Let us show the world that compassion and humanity still prevail in the state of New York. The time for action is now.”
“Our city has been faced with an unprecedented crisis and we have reached a breaking point. Those of us in the Assembly and our partners at the city level continue to work tirelessly to confront the ongoing migrant crisis head-on, but our districts have been overwhelmed and have reached capacity,” said Assembly Member Michael Novakhov. “Our commitment has been unwavering, driven not only by our responsibility to safeguard our communities but also by our shared belief in treating all individuals, including migrants, with dignity and respect. However, it is disheartening to witness a lack of reciprocal support from Governor Hochul and our federal legislators. As we strive to maintain both our sense of decency and security, it is imperative that we unite as a collective force, transcending party lines and bureaucratic barriers, to address this pressing challenge. As an immigrant myself, I understand the trials and aspirations that come with seeking a better life on unfamiliar shores. I call on Governor Hochul and our federal legislators to recognize the urgency of the ongoing migrant crisis in New York and step up to do their part. It’s time to stand united and provide the necessary support to address this challenge and protect our communities.”
“This is a humanitarian crisis that requires a compassionate intergovernmental response,” said Council Member Alexa Avilés. “We cannot do this alone, and we need to put politics aside. There are lives at stake. I have made my office available and coordinated with community-based organizations to get resources and supplies to our newest neighbors who were recently settled into my district. All aspects of our society, including the private sector and especially state and federal government, have a role to play in this. We need your help.”
“As our city continues to extend its welcome to asylum seekers, it is imperative that all New Yorkers, no matter when they arrived here, are provided the opportunity to thrive in our city,” said Theodore A. Moore, Vice President of Programs and Policy, New York Immigration Coalition. “While New York City and State must continue and expand their support of asylum seekers, we are calling on the federal government to greatly increase its commitment to our newest New Yorkers. We urge the Biden administration to expand Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela, Haití, Guatemala, Mali, Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Sudan and Senegal, and expedite work authorization so people can work legally and not have to subject themselves to the abuses of underground labor. Additionally, we need increased federal funding for housing and legal services as essential components of asylum seekers building their lives here. This is a moment that calls for a coordinated response from all levels of government, and it is long past time that the Biden administration stepped up.”
“In the heart of Brooklyn, where diversity thrives and compassion knows no bounds, we stand united today to address a pressing humanitarian challenge,” said Lorena Kourousias, Executive Director of Mixteca Organization, Inc. “Amidst this call to action, we cannot overlook the relentless dedication of Community-based organizations like Mixteca. Nestled in the midst of ten shelters, Mixteca has been at the forefront since day one, pulling resources and expertise to extend a welcoming hand to our asylum-seekers with unwavering dignity. However, let it be known that we cannot shoulder this responsibility alone. We demand the intervention of the Federal and State Government to join us in easing the burden on our great city.”
“Bridge Street Development stands firmly with Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso, our other elected officials, community partners and stakeholders in imploring the Federal, State and private sectors to commit the resources required to meet the needs of asylum seekers that have arrived in New York City,” said Gregory Anderson, President & CEO of Bridge Street Development Corporation. “Since last October, Bridge Street Development has collaborated to provide one-stop, wrap around support services to thousands of asylum seekers, including food and clothing distribution, and direct access to much needed legal, financial, educational, physical and mental health services for all ages. As the need and costs for these services continues to increase, so does the need for increased Federal and State funding, as well as greater support from the private and philanthropic sectors. The time to act is now.”
“With more than 101,200 asylum seekers arriving in New York City and asking for shelter, our city has now provided shelter and care for more migrants since last year than there are people in Albany,” said Mayor Adams. “Our team of thousands of dedicated public servants are working around the clock in the absence of sufficient state and federal support and have pulled off miracles. They have stretched this city’s compassion and capacity beyond imagination, and it is thanks to their efforts that no asylum-seeking families with children have slept on our streets. But, quite honestly, while our compassion is limitless, our resources are not, and we’re out of miracles. We’re grateful for the help we’ve received to this point from our partners in Albany and Washington, DC, but the fact remains that we need more. We need our federal and state partners to ensure that their efforts match the magnitude of this moment. This is a national crisis that demands solutions that extend beyond our city, and New York City cannot continue to manage largely on our own.”
Last week, Adams said the migrant crisis is expected to cost the city $12 billion by 2025. For months, the Mayor has continued to press the federal government to provide more help, including sending more money and approving work authorizations that would let migrants immediately begin working.
This story was updated on August 17.
