NYC opening emergency centers to deal with migrant crisis
NEW YORK - In response to the growing number of migrants arriving in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams announced new tent cities to house them.
Two Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers will be opened in the coming weeks, with one location in Orchard Beach serving adults while a second location is being finalized. More locations could open as needed.
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Buses will arrive directly at the humanitarian centers and are set to offer asylum seekers shelter, food, medical care, case work services, and a range of settlement options including through connections to family and friends inside and outside of New York City, in addition to, if needed, the possibility of direct referrals to alternative emergency supports or city shelter.
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"More than 100 years ago, Ellis Island opened its doors to welcome in those ‘yearning to breathe free.’ Now, more than ever, it’s clear that we are again dealing with a humanitarian crisis created by human hands," Adams said in a statement. "While other leaders have abdicated their moral duty to support arriving asylum seekers, New York City refuses to do so."
The Legal Aid Society says that it does have concerns about families in congregate settings but will work with the city to help asylum seekers.
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The city has been scrambling to find ways to house migrants that have been bused from Texas. More than 11,000 have arrived in recent months.
The city has been paying for hotel rooms for some newly arrived migrants.
The city reportedly has also been considering using summer camps to house migrants. The Legal Aid Society called that plan "crazy."
Earlier in the week, Mayor Adams proposed using cruise ships for temporary housing.
At an event on Monday, Adams was asked about the cruise ship plan.
"We're not going to leave any stone unturned. And once we finalize our plans, we're going to announce it," Adams said. "We're not it's not going to be any surprise is once we finalize how we're going to continue to live up to our legal and moral obligation, we're going to announce."