NEW YORK, N.Y.- A $25 million initiative aimed at assisting migrant families by covering a year’s rent if they relocate out of New York City faces resistance from suburban communities. Among New York’s 62 counties, only five have agreed to accept migrants for relocation.
Suffolk County, initially part of the program, is now seeking clarification from the state. A county spokesperson emphasized that Suffolk County is not a sanctuary city and has not consented to accept undocumented migrants. This stance reflects the broader apprehension seen across suburban areas.
Rockland County’s Republican executive, Ed Day, pointedly criticized New York City’s handling of the situation. He highlighted the city’s sanctuary status as a self-inflicted dilemma, arguing that suburban counties lack the resources to accommodate the city’s overflow of migrants.
The New York City migrant housing crisis, which began in April 2022, has been exacerbated by a housing shortage and driven primarily by the Venezuelan refugee crisis, among others. The city has faced challenges in accommodating the influx, with Mayor Eric Adams making significant efforts to manage the situation, including modifying legal frameworks and implementing measures to manage bus arrivals of migrants. This crisis has put a strain on the city’s shelter system and resources.