NYC Public Advocate in new migrants report: 'We've seen … a rising tide of resentment, exacerbated by fear mongering'

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams speaks during a press conference on July 31, 2023 in New York City.

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams issued a review of the city’s response to the arrival of migrants on Thursday and urged New Yorkers to show compassion amid growing anti-migrant sentiment.

“Since the first buses arrived in our city, we have worked to welcome our newest New Yorkers,” Williams said in a statement. “At the same time, over the last eighteen months, we have seen many missteps in management and a rising tide of resentment, exacerbated by fear mongering and a failure of the federal and state government to provide adequate support.”

The review, “Welcoming Our Newest New Yorkers,” outlines the actions taken by city, state, and federal authorities in response to the arrival of asylum seekers starting from when the first bus arrived at Port Authority to the end of 2023.

It also highlights the actions that the Public Advocate’s office and Mayor Eric Adams’ administration took as the response changed in “both policy and in tone.” The policy changes primarily result from the enormity of the issue and the inadequate response from the federal government, the review noted. However, it touches upon noticeable shifts in approach.

“This review documents the city’s journey to help those who have journeyed so far in search of support – spotlighting shortcomings, highlighting recommendations, and appealing to both the shared compassion of our city and the leaders who can provide vital resources,” Williams said. “We have to learn from the last year and a half of struggle to better aid the people struggling the most.”

The review points out that during the migrant crisis, the Public Advocate and his team have been opposed to harmful policies. They have also directly supported migrants by visiting shelters, providing supplies, and highlighting migrant challenges at City Hall but in Washington, D.C., to which the office made two trips to the capital to meet with the White House, agencies, and lawmakers to promote a supportive agenda.

It also underscores the harmful rhetoric employed by politicians and how they are “using the crisis as justification for budget cuts and harmful policies,” noting that “it is clear that there is a risk of the rising tide of resentment against asylum seekers.”

Williams urged New Yorkers to help migrants instead of causing more hardship for those who have already faced danger. At the same time, he’s advocating for the necessary federal and state assistance to effectively provide support.

Some federal requests to tackle some of the issues start with increased support in addressing the backlog and wait times for asylum cases to expedite work authorization for asylum seekers. Additionally, there’s a request for additional designations of Temporary Protected Status. The request also includes a need for increased capacity and funding at the federal level to sustain immigrant empowerment programs and legal services provided by local entities.

Williams proposes city legislation that would establish a commission for developing a citywide shelter siting plan, a local law mandating “out-take” processes during transitions between homeless shelters, and a local law requiring HPD to identify buildings, including hotels, for quick repurposing into permanent housing, focusing on families with children and homeless youth through rehabilitation and construction for conversion.

Individual actions encouraged are donating items, volunteering, and engaging with local community-based organizations, elected officials, and houses of worship to foster support.

The review strongly emphasizes the importance of “rejecting the vilification and otherization of migrant populations,” and treating migrants with respect and compassion, urging for a renewed commitment to these values in a city that cherishes its immigrant history.