Amid declining migrant arrivals and looming policy shifts, New York has announced the closure of multiple migrant shelters.

New York is phasing out 12 migrant shelters by year-end due to decreased arrivals and anticipated stringent policies by President-elect Trump, Fox News reported.

The decision to close these facilities comes as migrant numbers drop to the lowest since early 2021. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that two shelters, Hotel Merit and Quality Inn JFK, have already ceased operations.

Comprehensive Shelter Closures Across The State

The closures span several counties including Albany, Dutchess, Erie, Orange, and Westchester, all scheduled by December 31. The state's largest, situated on Randall's Island with a capacity for 3,000, will shut by February following Trump's inauguration.

Since spring 2022, New York City has become a temporary home for over 223,000 migrants and asylum seekers. This influx has significantly impacted city resources and taxpayer funds.

Financially, the city has been grappling with substantial costs, averaging $352 per migrant per night, with $130 of this amount going directly to hotel accommodations. The total expenditure could reach approximately $12 billion over the next three fiscal years without policy intervention.

Mayor Eric Adams Highlights Economic Challenges

Mayor Adams emphasized the economic strain and the efforts to provide care, stating, "Over the past two years, our teams have accomplished the Herculean task of providing compassionate care for a population twice the size of Albany and saving taxpayers billions of dollars."

He added, "We’ve focused on helping people take their next steps out of shelter and that focus is paying off. And with our census declining for the past 19 weeks in a row, it’s clear that our efforts are working."

The mayor hopes that the new measures will save money and further assist migrants in transitioning out of the shelters. His administration is committed to building on their successes to help migrants achieve their American Dream.

Public Response And Advocacy At City Hall

While the city plans for shelter closures, advocacy groups remain vocal about their stance on immigration policies. During a recent protest at City Hall, members of Jews For Racial & Economic Justice expressed their disapproval of the anticipated federal changes.

"Immigrants are welcome here – Trumpian policy is not!" was chanted repeatedly by the protesters, highlighting the community's resistance to the incoming administration's expected approach.

A spokesperson from city hall reassured the public, "Our staff is on hand to help guests plan for the next steps as the city consolidates its operations," indicating ongoing support during the transition.

Looking Forward To New Immigration Policies

With Trump's inauguration on the horizon, New York's preemptive shelter closures signal a bracing for tighter immigration controls that could reshape asylum-seeker support in the U.S.

The city continues to monitor the situation, adapting its strategies to both accommodate current residents and anticipate future federal policies.

As these closures take effect, New York City remains a focal point in the national dialogue on immigration, balancing immediate local needs with broader federal policy challenges.