Additional Coverage:
Migrant Shelter Closures Protested in Albany
Protesters gathered outside Governor Kathy Hochul’s office on Monday, calling for intervention to prevent the closure of two migrant shelters in Albany. The shelters, currently housing hundreds of migrants, are funded by New York City and are set to close this month.
Activists advocate for Hochul to secure state funding for six months of housing and services for the migrants. They argue that the migrants have established lives in Albany and contribute to the community.
City Crackdown on Migrant Services
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been pushing to reduce migrant services. Two shelters have already closed, and eight more are scheduled to shut down by year’s end.
The city is facing a financial strain, having spent nearly $1 billion on migrant housing in the past two years. However, critics argue that the city has mishandled the crisis and used migrants as a political tool.
Public Opinion Divided
A recent poll suggests that a majority of New York voters support the Trump administration’s efforts to deport illegal immigrants. However, protesters argue that the focus should be on providing shelter and support for migrants rather than deportation.
State Assembly member Matt Slater criticized the protesters, claiming they are out of touch with the concerns of New Yorkers. He believes the state should support efforts to reduce illegal immigration and end taxpayer-funded incentives for undocumented migrants.