New York City officials are taking action to enforce a 60-day limit on stays in the city’s emergency shelter system. This measure aims to expedite the eviction process for the thousands of migrant families currently residing in these shelters.
The New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has announced that the city has been authorized to start issuing 60-day eviction notices to migrants and other homeless families who are not receiving public assistance.
The policy, which went into effect in January, had previously exempted migrants from the 60-day restrictions on shelter stays. However, homeless families residing in other city-run shelters have been subjected to this policy for several months.
Over 30,000 migrants currently reside in shelters managed by the city’s Department of Homeless Services, which are situated in a variety of locations including 150 hotels, large-scale emergency housing sites, and other facilities.
“People shouldn’t have to spend their entire lives in shelters,” remarked New York City Mayor Eric Adams during a press briefing. “Living in these conditions is truly traumatic, and I don’t know if any of you have personally witnessed it, but it is an incredibly difficult experience.”
Homeless advocates have been urging the city to stop imposing time limits on shelter stays, arguing that such limits are “cruel and disruptive” for vulnerable families who are in the process of settling into schools and communities.
According to the New York Immigration Coalition, shelters have traditionally served as a temporary solution for families until they can regain stability. However, without comprehensive and accommodating housing options, our shelter system will remain overwhelmed, and vulnerable families will continue to face hardships.
City officials have announced their intention to gradually remove migrants from the area, while also offering assistance in finding alternative housing options. They have emphasized that certain families may have the opportunity to reapply for shelter if they are unable to secure accommodations elsewhere.
During a briefing, Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom emphasized that individuals have a 60-day window to explore alternative living arrangements or reach out to other family members.
As part of its efforts to address tent encampments set up by migrants who have exceeded their stay, the city is also planning to relocate approximately 800 migrants from a sizable shelter on Randall’s Island.
New York City has experienced a significant increase in the number of asylum seekers, with over 210,000 individuals arriving in the past year. Additionally, there has been a historic surge in immigration along the U.S.-Mexico border. According to Adams, this crisis shows no signs of disappearing.
The city is currently offering temporary “humanitarian” shelters to over 60,000 migrants, along with housing, food, and other essential supplies. According to Adams, the estimated expenditure for the city to support migrants until 2025 is $12 billion.
Republicans have consistently argued that New York City’s “sanctuary” policies are actively incentivizing asylum seekers to choose the city as their resettlement destination, especially in light of the ongoing surge in immigration.
