A Venezuelan immigrant shared his positive experience of staying at the McCarren Play Center’s “migrant hotel” in New York City, shortly after Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency due to the migration issue.
Miguel Mujica, 39, commented, “We are treated kindly here. They give us freedom to do as we please.” He further shared about taking his family to the center’s pool. “We spent Sunday afternoon there without any issues. It’s a wonderful facility,” he mentioned.
The news highlighted that Mujica, along with his family, entered the U.S. through the Texas border. He chose New York because of the availability of shelters. He revealed to the media that he earns around $700 to $800 weekly from informal construction and demolition jobs, approximating an untaxed $40,000 annually.
Fox5 New York shared that close to 80 adult asylum applicants will be accommodated in a section of the recreational facility. Officials confirmed that public amenities like the pool and gym will remain accessible. Extra security measures are being implemented to guarantee everyone’s safety.
Recent reports illustrate the struggle of New York City with migrants seeking shelter, some even resorting to sleeping on the sidewalks of Manhattan. Councilwoman Vickie Paladino emphasized that the influx is affecting locals’ daily lives and described the scenario as extremely challenging.
With more than 50,000 migrants relying on its shelters, New York City is facing one of the East Coast’s most prominent migration challenges. Mayor Adams stressed in August that the city has reached its capacity to house new migrants. His concern was regarding managing the situation locally as indoor spaces were no longer available. He stated the need to address the issue to prevent widespread encampments across the city.
Earlier in the summer, it was declared that New York City would obtain $104.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support its Shelter and Services Program.
