Biden Administration, NYC Spar Over Immigration Policy
Aug 28, 2023
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White House correspondents discuss the immigration challenges faced by New York City, including strained resources and the strained relationship between the mayor and the Biden administration. They also explore the struggles of the Biden administration in addressing immigration issues, delays in obtaining work permits, controversial use of humanitarian parole, and the experiences of migrants seeking asylum.
Mayor Eric Adams has implemented measures to address the strain of over 90,000 asylum seekers arriving in NYC, including shortening shelter stays and distributing discouraging flyers at the border.
The lengthy process for obtaining work permits is a major hurdle for asylum seekers, pushing them into an underground economy with low wages, hazardous conditions, and limited protection.
Deep dives
Challenges of Immigration in New York City
New York City has seen over 90,000 asylum seekers arrive since spring of 2022, leading to a strain on resources. Mayor Eric Adams has implemented measures to address the situation, including shortening the length of stay in shelters and distributing flyers at the border discouraging people from coming to New York. The relationship between the Adams administration and the Biden administration has also soured as Adams repeatedly calls on the federal government to take action. The influx of migrants from states like Florida exacerbates the housing crisis and pushes people into the exploitative underground job market.
Delays in the Immigration System
The lengthy process for obtaining work permits is a major hurdle for asylum seekers. The application process for asylum itself is complex and time-consuming, often leaving individuals with limited Wi-Fi access and overcrowded shelter conditions. Even after applying for asylum, it can take months before eligibility for a work permit is reached, leaving migrants without the ability to work legally for at least six months. This situation pushes people into an underground economy where they are exploited and facing low wages, hazardous working conditions, and limited protection.
Biden Administration's Response and Political Implications
The Biden administration has struggled to address the challenges of immigration, and both Republicans and Democrats have criticized their handling of the issue. While the White House has allocated funding and assigned a senior advisor to the problem, they have been unable to provide concrete solutions. The political impact is significant, with Democrats like Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, openly criticizing the administration. This bipartisan dissatisfaction highlights the limitations of executive action without congressional intervention to address the underlying issues in the immigration system.
In New York City, more than 90,000 migrants or people seeking asylum have sought refuge since spring 2022. The city's Democratic mayor, Eric Adams, has asked for more federal assistance, and in the meantime, has cut back on services for those coming to his city. The Biden administration blames Congressional inaction.
This podcast: White House correspondents Tamara Keith and Franco Ordoñez, and criminal justice correspondent Jasmine Garsd.
The podcast is produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
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