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In an effort to alleviate pressure on its overburdened shelter system, New York City has implemented a new rule necessitating certain adult asylum-seekers to leave city-run accommodations, such as hotels and tented areas, within 30 days, or 60 days for individuals aged 18-23, unless exceptional circumstances justify an extension. As this policy took effect on Wednesday, records from the Mayor’s office reveal that 192 migrants sought extensions due to reaching their stay limit, with 118 receiving approval. The coming months are anticipated to witness many more facing eviction.
Mamadou Diallo, a 39-year-old from Senegal residing in a Bronx shelter, faces uncertainty about his forthcoming displacement, despite his efforts to secure an extension. Diallo, who is currently pursuing English and awaiting permission to work, expressed his commitment to finding employment and advancing his education amidst these challenges.
This move marks a significant deviation from the city’s previous “right to shelter” mandate, adjusted back in March, which has historically obligated the city to offer temporary housing to any homeless person upon request. Prior to these changes, adult migrants could seek another 30-day shelter stay with ease. However, families with children still retain this flexibility under the current framework.
Observers have critiqued the policy’s rollout as disorganized and are monitoring the eviction process, concerned about the potential denial of shelter due to various bureaucratic hurdles. Approximately 15,000 migrant adults could be impacted, out of the 65,000 migrants currently accommodated, many of whom are part of family units.
Confronting critiques labeling the restrictions as inhumane and chaotic, Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, defended the city’s position, highlighting the unsustainable nature of indefinitely housing migrants. He pointed out the city’s significant effort in providing temporary housing for nearly 200,000 migrants since spring 2022, amidst a continuous influx of new arrivals weekly.
This development occurs alongside varying approaches by other cities to manage migrant housing needs, contrasting Denver’s six-month housing and job preparation program with Chicago and Massachusetts’ more restrictive limitations.
Adams had previously sought to fully suspend the “right to shelter” mandate, a move met with opposition from advocacy groups. The eventual agreement in March led to the current policy, allowing for possible shelter stay extensions under specific conditions designed to encourage independence and reduce shelter system strain, as stated by Camille Joseph Varlack, Adams’ chief of staff.