In an effort to tackle the increasing number of migrants arriving in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams announced on Wednesday that his administration is taking new measures directly to the U.S.-Mexico border, some 2,000 miles away. The plan involves distributing posters near the border, telling migrants to “consider another city.”
The flyers also contain warnings about the high costs of housing, food and transportation in New York City. The aim is to discourage migrants from coming to the Big Apple, which has long been known for its welcoming stance towards migrants.
Adams said the flyers “honestly communicate our city’s situation to those thinking of coming here.” He said the posters will be handed out on the border and put on social media.
The city has received more than 90,000 migrants since April 2022, and some 54,800 remain in its care, the mayor’s office said in a statement Wednesday, July 19. New York is “at capacity.”
In response to the crisis, the Adams administration has opened 188 emergency shelters in city-owned buildings, hotels and old jail facilities. It has also opened 13 humanitarian relief centers, which are the first destination for new arrivals, Bloomberg reports.
Despite overall reports indicating a slowdown in border crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, New York City says it continues to experience consistent batches of newcomers.
Meanwhile, the city also announced Wednesday new restrictions on the length of stay for individuals in emergency shelters.
In the coming days, the city will begin issuing 60-day removal notices to single men and women currently staying in the network of emergency shelters in order to make room for families with children.
“In an ideal world, we’re clear: Asylum seekers would be sheltered throughout the country, with expedited work authorization and proper support,” Adams said. “That’s not the ideal world that we’re living in. Without proper state and federal assistance, we must make difficult choices. The city must make difficult choices.”
Adams stated that the city will connect migrants with case workers to assist them in finding alternative housing options, such as staying with friends or family.
“Our goal is: no child, no family is sleeping on the streets,” Adams said. “That’s our goal, and we’re getting closer and closer to being unable to fulfill even that.”
