New York City is working to become a greater safe haven for immigrants that cross the border through the Southern states. Mayor Eric Adams announced on Thursday that his administration is planning to provide relief centers to further support immigrants entering the city.
As informed in a press release, the Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers will offer aid to individual and family asylum-seekers by providing them food, medical care, shelter and casework services The centers will be the “first touch point” for migrants arriving in the city, the release says.
“More than 100 years ago, Ellis Island opened its doors to welcome in those ‘yearning to breathe free.’ Now, more than ever, it’s clear that we are again dealing with a humanitarian crisis created by human hands. While other leaders have abdicated their moral duty to support arriving asylum seekers, New York City refuses to do so,” Adams said.
As Travel Noire reported in August, Texas is forcing migrants to get on buses heading to New York since May. Some of the migrant families complained, stating that New York wasn’t even their desired destination. The bus rides took 3 days. According to the Republican governor Greg Abbott, this is a response to President Biden’s border policies that are overpopulating Texas.
Texas Vs NYC
“It’s the worst type of politics,” Adams told “Nightline.” “It’s hateful politics to raise his national profile and, you know what, you should not be doing it by taking away the respect and dignity of people who are in need.”
As ABC reported, Adams said during a June 21 press conference that the city would find shelter for migrants arriving from Texas under the state’s “right to shelter” law.
But as thousands of migrants arrived in New York City over the past couple of months, the shelter system has become strained.
“As hundreds of migrants continue to enter New York City each day, we must take steps to ensure their health and safety as well as maintain our ability to provide essential services; that’s why we’re proud to announce the launch of the Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers. These centers will provide services such as wellness checks and temporary shelter when individuals and families first come to the city,” said New York City Department of Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Zach Iscol.
The New York City Emergency Management agency and NYC Health + Hospitals will operate the new relief centers to support immigrants. Two centers will open in the coming weeks, with more to open as needed, the city said.