Ungrateful Migrants Refuse to Move From Manhattan Hotel To Newly Built Shelter
The United States is currently facing a humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Hundreds of migrants are attempting to seek asylum in the United States every day, and while some cities, such as New York, are doing their best to provide assistance, the influx of people is overwhelming the resources of many cities. The Biden administration has yet to take any meaningful action to address the issue, and the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, has called on the federal government for help.
Unfortunately, the situation has become even more desperate in recent weeks. To make space for migrant families, the city of New York moved hundreds of single male migrants from the Watson Hotel in Manhattan to a new shelter at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. However, more than 50 of these migrants have chosen to camp outside the hotel in protest, claiming that the conditions at the new shelter are uninhabitable. Activists from South Bronx Mutual Aid have provided food and water, but the city's response has been less than satisfactory.
The Mayor's spokesperson, Fabien Levy, has said that the city is "surpassing its moral obligations" in caring for the influx of migrants, but Mayor Adams himself has said that it is unfair for cities to carry the burden of a national problem. While some may point out that these shelters are provided by the taxpayers of New York, the truth is that the situation is far too large for any one city to handle.
After being bussed to the BK Cruise Terminal, some single adult men asylum seekers have returned & set up ⛺️ outside the Watson Hotel, their former shelter. Migrants & activists, say because of “poor conditions” at the cruise terminal they do not want to stay there. @NY1 pic.twitter.com/j6rHxO4rCN
— Alyssa Paolicelli (@APaolicelli17) January 30, 2023
In February, President Biden proposed a $4 billion plan to provide assistance to asylum-seekers and migrant families, but this is far from enough. The United States must do more to address the issue and ensure that these migrants are provided with the necessary resources and assistance.
Because closing the border isn't an option? Taxpayers are stretched. At this point, it's just irresponsible not securing the border.
The current situation is unacceptable, and it is the responsibility of the federal government to take the lead in addressing the crisis.