New York City Mayor Eric Adams is embroiled in a political storm as he deals with the ongoing migrant crisis, prompting Texas officials to accuse him of hypocrisy because New York’s problems pale compared to what they’ve been facing for years.
Adams, who previously expressed pride in New York’s status as a sanctuary city as buses of migrants arrived from the southern frontier last August, is now sounding the alarm about the crisis’ devastating impact on the city, estimating a staggering $12 billion cost over three years.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Accusations of Hypocrisy Amid Migrant Crisis
Andrew Mahaleris, the press secretary for Texas Governor Greg Abbott, criticized Mayor Adams, stating” “Mayor Adams was proud to tout his self-described sanctuary city status until Texas began busing migrants to New York City to provide relief to our overrun and overwhelmed border communities.”
In addition, Mahaleris described the mayor’s pivot as astonishing hypocrisy.
Governor Abbott initiated the transport of migrants to other states to draw attention to the border crisis in August of 2017.
Since August 2022, more than 13,000 migrants have been sent to New York as part of this effort.
Abbott maintains that he is addressing dangerous gaps created by the Biden administration’s refusal to secure the border, despite Adams’ characterization of him as a madman for this action.
Governor Abbott revealed that Texas had bussed over 35,000 asylum seekers to self-declared sanctuary cities, emphasizing that New York’s experience is a fraction of what small border communities in Texas deal with daily.
In addition to emphasizing that the migrant issue is a national concern, Mahaleris criticized President Biden’s management, stating, “Until President Biden steps up and does his job, Texas will continue busing migrants to sanctuary cities to relieve our overburdened border towns.”
During the crisis, Mayor Adams has urged the federal government to intervene, noting that the lack of intervention has led individuals worldwide to head for the southern border in hopes of reaching New York City.
With no federal assistance, the city’s financial burden is estimated to exceed $4 billion for the current fiscal year.
Adams previously stated, despite the burden on New York City’s resources, “As mayor of New York, I must provide services to local families, and that’s what we’re going to do… I am pleased that this is a Right to Shelter jurisdiction, and we will continue to protect this right.”
Recent reports indicate that many migrants originate from Africa, particularly Senegal and Nigeria.
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Evolution of the Migrant Crisis: From Venezuelan Refugees to Legal Battles in Texas
Initially, the migrant crisis was characterized by an influx of Venezuelan refugees escaping the country’s economic instability.
The involvement of Governor Abbott in addressing the migrant crisis in his state has been challenged in court.
Abbott put up a floating barrier on a river separating the United States from Mexico to deter border crossings, which a judge recently ordered removed.
The contentious wall was part of Abbott’s intensifying efforts to combat immigration.
Critics accuse Mayor Adams of inconsistency in his approach to New York City’s role in addressing the migrant crisis, as the migrant crisis continues to be a pressing issue across the United States.
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