New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently announced that the Roosevelt Hotel, a key player in the city’s handling of the illegal immigration crisis over the past two years, will stop operating as a shelter by June.
This comes amid accusations that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) paid New York City $59 million to accommodate illegal migrants in upscale hotels, according to the Trump administration.
The Roosevelt Hotel, one of the busiest Asylum Seeker Arrival Centers, has registered over 173,000 illegal migrants since its opening in 2023.
Adams expressed pride in the progress made, stating, “While we’re not done caring for those who come into our care, today marks another milestone.”
The closure of the hotel’s Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center will coincide with the shutdown of 53 other emergency shelter sites across Manhattan by June. Currently, 2,852 migrants are housed at the Roosevelt Hotel.
The city recently closed two tent shelters at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn and on Randall’s Island, as reported by the New York Times. Mayor Adams credited sound policy decisions for the closures, emphasizing that these decisions will help asylum seekers move forward while saving taxpayers millions.
The city has witnessed a significant decrease in weekly illegal migrant registrations, from 4,000 at the height of the border crisis to around 350 a week, NBC News noted.
As of now, it’s uncertain if the Roosevelt Hotel will reopen to regular guests once it ceases to house migrants. The hotel had stopped accepting regular visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city’s strategy has been to manage this wave of migration while balancing the interests of its residents and the newcomers.
The decision to close these facilities reflects a shift in how the city is handling the migration influx. Fox News highlighted that the city aims to integrate asylum seekers more effectively into society. The potential savings and resource allocation adjustments are seen as a win for the city’s taxpayers.
Newsmax reported that the city’s approach aligns with broader efforts to manage resources efficiently while maintaining humanitarian support.
The mayor’s office has been vocal about its commitment to ensuring that all actions taken are in the best interest of both New Yorkers and migrants. This decision is part of a broader strategy to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration.
Conservative voices have praised the move, seeing it as a necessary step in reclaiming control over the situation. By closing these shelters, the city is sending a message that it is ready to turn a new page. The focus is now on sustainable solutions that benefit all parties involved.
The issue of illegal immigration continues to be a hot topic, and New York City’s handling of the crisis is under constant scrutiny.
The choice to close a major shelter like the Roosevelt Hotel demonstrates a shift towards long-term solutions. As the city adapts, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact both the local community and the migrants seeking a new life.
The debate over how best to handle illegal immigration is far from over, but New York City’s recent actions suggest a new direction. These changes are an attempt to balance compassion with practicality. With the closure of these facilities, the city aims to create a more efficient and effective system.
Adams has been clear that while the city is committed to helping those in need, it must also be mindful of its resources. The closure of the Roosevelt Hotel as a shelter marks a significant step in this direction. As New York City continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on finding solutions that serve everyone involved.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.
