New Yorkers shouldn’t pay to be the world’s sanctuary

How long can we sustain this? Our neighborhoods are being overwhelmed by the unchecked influx of migrants. “We’re getting dumped on here” is a sentiment many of my constituents share. 

The reality is stark: These shelters add nothing to our communities and, in many cases, only bring crime. Since the spring of 2022, over 204,000 migrants have entered New York City’s intake system, and over 66,000 were in our care just last month. 

There are now 216 migrant sites open throughout the city, with more than 70 in Queens alone. The city is slated to spend a staggering $12 billion over several fiscal years on this mess. This is unsustainable and unfair.

Political hypocrites

The hypocrisy of some of my colleagues in government is astonishing. Not too long ago, they were quick to label Republicans as “anti-immigrant” for advocating for secure borders and rational immigration policies. They urged President Biden to end the Remain in Mexico policy and cheered when the courts ended Title 42. Now, faced with the consequences of these decisions, they are finally sounding the alarm. But it’s too little, too late.

These same elected officials now talk about a “fair share” burden, with one Queens elected official even suggesting that Staten Island needs to do more. 

Is this what taxpayers in our city deserve? Politicians opening the floodgates and then complaining about the deluge after the damage is done? It’s time for the voters to wake up and elect leaders who have their best interests at heart.

We cannot afford to have a seesaw response to crises. We need leaders willing to take on the challenges head-on and make tough decisions, even if they contradict their party’s talking points. 

Our low-income and middle-class communities, filled with hardworking, longtime New Yorkers, now see their government prioritizing new arrivals over them. 

These migrants are given free housing, food, legal assistance, debit cards and protection under sanctuary city laws, which prohibit the NYPD and the Department of Correction from working and communicating with federal law enforcement to root out potential terrorists and migrant gangs.

Crime that follows 

 What message does it send to the taxpayers whose money is being spent on individuals who, in some cases, are causing havoc in their neighborhoods? We’ve seen Venezuelan migrant gangs robbing people and even shooting at police officers. Two teens at Kissena Park were recently held at knifepoint by an Ecuadorian migrant, who is now charged with the rape of a 13-year-old girl. 

Gun and drug rings operating out of migrant shelters are becoming the norm. And the list goes on. This is not just a matter of inconvenience; it threatens public safety. 

Taxpayers deserve better. They deserve a government prioritizing their safety, quality of life and hard-earned dollars. Instead, they are getting a raw deal. Migrant shelters are being placed in neighborhoods without consideration for the impact on local resources, schools and public safety. It’s time for a reality check.

The people of our city are generous and compassionate, but they are not naive. They see through the political games and the shifting of blame. They want real solutions, not empty promises. 

They want leaders who stand up for their interests and make tough decisions to protect their communities. We cannot continue to be the dumping ground for the world’s problems.

Council Member Robert Holden (D) represents District 30 in Queens.