NYC Struggles to Remain a Sanctuary City Amid Influx of Migrants

“When they decided to put in place that law, no one thought they would be dealing with a humanitarian crisis of this proportion,” said Mayor Eric Adams this week.

“Upwards of 2000 people rallied and marched over New York City’s landmark Brooklyn Bridge on October 5 demanding “real” immigration reform. The protest was one of hundreds around the country on Saturday, part of a National Day of Immigrant Dignity and Respect. The rally and march was supported by a broad coalition of city unions, Immigrant’s rights and social service organizations but the turnout was a far cry from the tens of thousands of people who turned out to protest the wave of anti-immigrant laws and mass deportations six years ago.” October 7, 2013. (Photo: Michael Fleshman)

The skyline is iconic; the energy, sublime. The rents are high but living in the cultural heart of America has its privileges. “I Heart New York” is the city’s motto, after all.

All around the world — from Bangkok to Bangladesh to Dayton, Ohio — people dream of moving to New York City. Millions of tourists flock to the city year after year and it's easy to understand why: The sights, the restaurants, the art, the nightlife, Broadway, and the Met.

So when someone from Immigration Customs and Border Patrol or Texas Governor Greg Abbott's administration asks newly arrived immigrants if they want a free bus ticket to New York City, many say yes.

New York City has also long prided itself as a Sanctuary City,

A sanctuary city is a term used to describe a city that has adopted policies to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement authorities.

The specific policies and practices of sanctuary cities can vary, as they are implemented at the local level. In general, these policies aim to create an environment where undocumented immigrants can feel…