Mayor Eric Adams underscored the urgent need for state and federal assistance by revealing significant new cost projections related to the care of migrants in New York City. Speaking from City Hall, Adams warned that without adequate support, the city might face a staggering $12 billion expense by the summer of 2025 due to the continuous influx of migrants. This estimate far surpasses previous forecasts that anticipated costs of over $4 billion by the following summer.
With nearly 100,000 migrants arriving since the spring of 2022, the strain on the city’s resources has become evident. Adams expressed concern that the number of migrants utilizing shelters and emergency housing facilities could escalate to 100,000. Despite the challenge, he emphasized the city’s commitment to its “Right to Shelter” law, ensuring that shelter is provided in a timely manner.
Recent images of migrant men sleeping on sidewalks outside a Manhattan intake center drew attention to the dire situation. Families with children might soon find themselves in similar circumstances due to space constraints, according to an administration official.
Federal funds exceeding $140 million have been designated to support migrants in New York City. Discussions have taken place between city officials and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, with a DHS team currently evaluating the crisis.
In response to the crisis, Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has offered state-owned sites for migrant shelters and will reimburse the city for operating costs. The state budget allocates $1 billion for housing, National Guard assistance, and legal services for migrants, with plans for an additional $1 billion in the next budget.
