As the migrant crisis continues to ravage the southern border, liberal cities across the United States are grappling with the massive costs incurred from sheltering and supporting the influx of migrants. With record-high numbers of encounters at the border, the burden on these cities has reached unprecedented levels. New York City, in particular, has been hit the hardest, with over 140,000 migrants passing through its system. The city’s robust social service network and “right to shelter” policy have made it an attractive destination for migrants in search of support.
The costs associated with sheltering migrants in New York City have already surpassed $1.45 billion in fiscal year 2023, leading to deep cuts in various sectors. Mayor Eric Adams has warned that the crisis could potentially “destroy” the city if the situation is not addressed urgently. The administration estimates that nearly $11 billion will need to be spent in the next two fiscal years to manage the escalating costs. To cope with the financial strain, the New York Police Department will freeze hiring and implement significant cuts in education and sanitation.
Chicago, another liberal city, is also projecting that the migrant crisis will cost taxpayers over $300 million between January and December 2023. Mayor Brandon Johnson, who campaigned on strengthening protections for those in the country illegally, emphasizes that the burden of these costs should not fall on residents alone. The city has been spending approximately $40 million per month to provide care for asylum seekers, a figure that Johnson deems unsustainable.
Denver, although not officially designated as a sanctuary city, has also been struggling with the costs of the migrant crisis. As of September, the city has already spent at least $25 million in dealing with migrants. Additionally, over $4 million has been used to transport more than 12,000 migrants out of state. The strain on Denver’s budget is evident, and city officials are calling for additional aid from Congress. Alongside Los Angeles and Houston, the mayors of these cities are requesting a substantial $5 billion in federal assistance to properly care for the asylum seekers entering their communities.
While the White House has called for $1.4 billion in supplemental border funding earmarked for cities and communities, mayors argue that it is insufficient to cover the mounting expenses. They emphasize that relying solely on municipal budgets is not sustainable and has forced them to make cuts to essential city services. Negotiations for supplemental funding are ongoing, with Republicans advocating for additional border security funding, while some Democrats in the Senate insist on accompanying any asylum restrictions with amnesty for illegal immigrants.
In conclusion, the migrant crisis has placed an immense financial burden on liberal cities, such as New York City, Chicago, and Denver. The costs associated with sheltering and supporting migrants have already reached staggering levels, with projections indicating a significant increase in the coming years. Mayors are calling for substantial federal aid to alleviate the strain on municipal budgets and ensure the proper care and processing of asylum seekers. As negotiations continue, the impact of the migrant crisis on these cities remains a pressing concern.
