President Biden has requested nearly $10 billion from Congress to address and improve the country’s immigration system at the border. Out of this amount, $1.4 billion has been allocated for state and local governments that are struggling with the cost of caring for and housing the large number of migrants who have arrived. However, it remains uncertain how much funding New York City will receive to alleviate the significant financial burden it faces due to over 130,000 migrants passing through its care.
The request for funding was included in a broader spending request of nearly $106 billion, with headlines focused on allocations of $61.4 billion for Ukraine and $14.3 billion for Israel. The White House fact sheet states that $13.6 billion will be allocated to address the border, including $1.4 billion for shelter and services for migrants released from the Department of Homeland Security’s custody. However, there has been no immediate response to clarify how much aid will be directed to New York City.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have expressed criticism towards President Biden’s handling of the record-breaking influx of illegal immigration across the US-Mexico border. They have appealed for financial assistance to offset what Mayor Adams estimates could be a total cost of $12 billion for New York City.
It is worth noting that President Biden declined an opportunity to meet with Governor Hochul in August, attributing it to a busy schedule. This apparent cold shoulder towards fellow Democrats comes at a time when Mayor Adams has announced 15% cuts to most city agencies and caps on discretionary spending, due to the budget strain caused by the migrant influx.
The passage of the comprehensive spending bill in its entirety is uncertain, given the growing skepticism towards providing Ukraine with further aid for its conflict with Russia. Legislators had previously approved $113 billion in aid to Ukraine during Russia’s 20-month invasion. In addition to border-related allocations, the budget request includes funding proposals for various purposes such as supporting eligible arrivals and unaccompanied children, increasing the number of Border Patrol agents and asylum officers, employing more immigration judges, acquiring fentanyl-screening equipment, and establishing new legal pathways for migrants. A relatively smaller $40 million boost in funding for deportations is also included.
President Biden has often attributed the increase in illegal immigration to economic factors and insecurity in Latin America. However, critics argue that his welcoming rhetoric and the policy allowing a significant number of illegal entrants to remain in the country while awaiting asylum rulings have contributed to the situation. Fiscal year 2023 is expected to set an annual record for apprehensions at the Southwest border, with 2.2 million arrests recorded in the first 11 months of data. Fiscal year 2022 saw a record-breaking 2.38 million apprehensions.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has protested against President Biden’s release of migrants who crossed the border illegally, as well as the anti-deportation sanctuary policies implemented by Democratic jurisdictions. As a result, thousands of migrants have been sent by his government to New York City and other major cities. New York City is obligated by local law to provide migrants with free housing, which places a greater burden on local officials compared to other regions.
Asylum seekers may be eligible for work permits as early as 180 days after their arrival, a process that Mayor Adams has urged the Biden administration to expedite in order to alleviate the financial strain on the city.
The request for additional funding to address the border immigration system marks President Biden’s efforts to address the challenges posed by record-breaking illegal immigration. However, the allocation of funds and the overall success of these measures remain to be seen, particularly as skepticism towards Ukraine war aid grows within Congress. The financial burden on New York City continues to mount, with local officials calling for support to manage the significant costs associated with migrant care and housing. The final outcome will depend on Congressional decisions and the ability of the administration to effectively address the immigration situation.
