NYC Shuts Down Migrant Center in Historic Manhattan Hotel

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    New York City has officially shuttered the migrant arrival center it established at the historic Roosevelt Hotel, a noteworthy structure situated in Midtown Manhattan that has played a crucial role in the city’s migrant management efforts over the past two years.

    Located just a short walk from the bustling Grand Central Terminal, the Roosevelt Hotel emerged as the primary reception point for thousands of immigrants seeking refuge and assistance in the city. This once-grand establishment became synonymous with the city’s attempt to provide shelter and services, often witnessing lines of immigrant families stretching outside its doors, with some sleeping on the sidewalk while waiting for accommodation.

    The facility’s operations came to a halt on Monday, leaving the hotel unoccupied by Tuesday afternoon, according to the office of Mayor Eric Adams. The services formerly offered at the Roosevelt, including the processing of arrivals, legal support, and medical care, are being relocated to other shelter facilities across the city, as indicated by city officials.

    One pressing concern accompanying the closure is the welfare of individuals with disabilities. According to David Giffen, head of the Coalition for the Homeless, the transfer of these individuals to different locations may not fully consider their specific needs. “Shifting people between facilities invariably brings challenges, and these issues are particularly pronounced for those with the greatest needs,” Giffen pointed out. “They often end up getting overlooked.”

    Besides serving as the primary intake center, the Roosevelt Hotel also accommodated migrant families, including those with children. In response to these concerns, Mayor Adams’ administration assured that requests for disability accommodations were being addressed appropriately. The city had decided to phase out operations at the Roosevelt and other migrant shelters earlier this year, as the immigrant influx from the U.S.-Mexico border began to decline.

    Currently, New York City is hosting over 37,000 migrants at 170 different sites—a notable decrease from a peak of nearly 70,000 back in January. At one point, the city was witnessing an influx of around 4,000 migrants weekly, a number that has dwindled to fewer than 100 arrivals per week as of June 22, according to the mayor’s office.

    This decline can be largely attributed to more stringent immigration policies introduced in the latter part of former President Joe Biden’s term and continued actions under President Donald Trump’s administration. Furthermore, the city has implemented restrictions on the length of stay for migrants in its shelters, which it is legally required to provide as temporary housing.

    Since April 2022, New York has received over 237,000 asylum-seekers, with more than 173,000 being documented at the Roosevelt, city officials report. The hotel has recently drawn criticism from the Trump administration, which claimed it was fraught with gang-related issues, leading to the Federal Emergency Management Agency retracting $80 million designated for reimbursing the city’s migrant-related expenses.

    The long-term plans for the Roosevelt Hotel, which the city leased from its longtime proprietors, Pakistan’s state-owned airline, remain uncertain as representatives did not respond to inquiries. This storied landmark, opened in 1924 and famous for its 1,000+ rooms, was once a cultural icon known for its association with jazz and has served as a notable political hub over the years.