NYC Gazette

Washington D.C.— On May 17, 2023, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding New York City’s decision to house asylum seekers in public school gymnasiums:
 
"Since the beginning of 2023, my staff and I have been in regular contact with the mayor’s office and Governor Hochul’s team regarding the situation around asylum seekers coming to New York City. To respond to the needs of the over 65,000 migrants that have come through the city so far, the city has opened 112 emergency shelters and eight Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers to meet this unprecedented demand.
 
"Last Sunday, Mayor Adams’ office notified me about their plan to house asylum seekers in three standalone gyms at public schools in Williamsburg. This decision was made without consultation from my office or any of the impacted schools. 
 
"Since then, my office has heard from some parents expressing unease about the situation. Let me say that I hear and understand your concerns. The well-being of their children is the number one priority of every parent.
 
"As the city moves forward with its plan, I’m working with the mayor’s office to understand the steps being taken to ensure that students’ school experience is not disrupted. I know it is not ideal for students to lose access to their gymnasium, and we must ensure that this situation doesn’t negatively impact student learning.
 
"At the same time, I’m working to ensure that these shelters can provide proper living conditions for migrants. This is a humanitarian crisis, and many asylum seekers are escaping conditions that we cannot fathom. We cannot allow frustration over policy decisions to boil over into anti-migrant rhetoric.
 
"I believe our city has a responsibility to care for these vulnerable people, and the Brooklyn community has traditionally been incredibly welcoming to immigrants. And I want to reiterate that our entire city has a duty to provide shelter; every borough must play a role, not just Brooklyn and its historically immigrant communities. We cannot allow this crisis to be used as a wedge to pit one group of immigrants against another. I’m also calling on the federal government to provide New York City with the resources needed to meet this moment.
 
"New York City has always been a beacon for those from other countries searching for a better life. From Ellis Island to the present day, we’ve always welcomed asylum seekers and integrated them into our communities.
 
"In the coming days, we’ll learn more concrete details about the housing of migrants in school gymnasiums. Please know that I’ll do everything I can to ensure that the education of our children is not disrupted." 

Original source can be found here.