Mayor Adams Fights “Xenophobic Bigotry”
New York City has initiated a lawsuit against 30 counties in upstate New York and Long Island, accusing them of issuing executive orders that prevent local hotels and motels from housing migrants sent from the city. Mayor Eric Adams, who has been vocal about the challenges posed by the influx of migrants, stated that the lawsuit aims to combat “xenophobic bigotry” by local officials. Learn more about Mayor Adams’ stance on immigration.
Legal Grounds and Constitutional Concerns
The lawsuit argues that the actions of these counties exceed their authority and violate both state human rights law and the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. A federal judge in Westchester County has already blocked similar executive orders from Rockland and Orange Counties, citing their probable unconstitutionality.
The Migrant Situation in NYC
Over the past year, New York City has seen the arrival of more than 74,000 migrants from the southern border. Currently, over 47,000 of them are residing in housing supported by the city. Mayor Adams introduced a “new, voluntary program” to move migrants from makeshift city shelters to hotels in other counties, following a statewide emergency declaration by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Counties Respond with Executive Orders
In reaction to the city’s program, Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus and Rockland County Executive Ed Day issued orders forbidding local hotels and motels from entering into agreements to house migrants. These orders were temporarily blocked by a U.S. District Judge, who cited “racially-charged comments” made by officials. Understand the role of local governments in immigration policy.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Some of the counties have also filed lawsuits against New York City, challenging its authority to relocate migrants to other parts of the state. The city accuses these counties of attempting to “wall off their borders” based on “baseless claims” that a few hundred asylum seekers would pose a public safety emergency.
The lawsuit marks a significant chapter in the ongoing struggle between New York City and upstate counties over the issue of migrant housing. As both sides prepare for a legal showdown, the outcome could set a precedent for how local governments handle the complex issue of immigration and housing.