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Friend,
Last week, Eric Adams scapegoated asylum seekers again to defend ending the right to shelter, stating that he doesn’t believe “the right to shelter applies to a migrant crisis.”1
The day after making this statement, New York streets and subway stations flooded from intense rains. Right to shelter, especially during floods, is critical to keep people safe — no matter where they come from.
Kicking people out of shelter from a flood is not a policy solution to any crisis. Eric Adams’ Trump-like actions are causing more harm to people who have already fled from dangerous situations seeking safety.
We can’t allow this to continue — tell Mayor Adams to stop scapegoating asylum seekers and support real solutions to house new immigrants and every New Yorker who needs shelter.
Having a safe place to shelter is a fundamental right, especially as New York faces record flooding and other impacts of the climate crisis.
Over the last several months, New Yorkers have been hit hard by extreme climate events — from hazardous air caused by Canadian wildfires to unprecedented rainfall. As climate chaos worsens on top of a growing homelessness crisis, the right to shelter is non-negotiable.
Many asylum seekers are already climate refugees who escaped crises in their countries worsened by climate change. Scapegoating asylum seekers, many who have fled dangerous situations fueled by the climate crisis, is unconscionable. We have the solutions to house every New Yorker, no matter where they came from or how long they've been here.
Eric Adams must take responsibility for his continued attacks on asylum seekers and push for humane solutions that meet the urgency of the housing crisis. Add your name here if you agree.
Thank you for taking action with us today,
The NYCC team
1. “Outcry as New York mayor says shelter mandate should exclude migrants,” The Guardian, Sept. 29, 2023.
