A one-page flyer, available in both English and Spanish, serves as a cautionary message to asylum seekers, emphasizing that they “will not be placed in a hotel” and recommending they consider more affordable cities instead of New York City (NYC), which is known for its high cost of living. The flyer also clarifies that “NYC cannot help you obtain a work permit, and you will not be able to easily find work.”

This initiative aims to discourage migrants from choosing NYC as their destination, marking the latest effort to slow down the rapid influx of approximately 100,000 individuals who have arrived in the city since the spring of 2022. This influx has strained NYC’s shelter system and financial resources, with the city currently spending $387 per day to provide shelter for each migrant family. The estimated cost of caring for migrants is expected to reach $12 billion by mid-2025.

Interestingly, these flyers counter some of the city and state’s recent initiatives aimed at assisting asylum seekers in applying for legal work permits and finding employment. NYC, in collaboration with state and federal authorities, is conducting a comprehensive survey to identify individuals eligible to apply for asylum and work permit authorizations. Additionally, a legal clinic was established in June to aid migrants with their applications.

New York’s distinctive right-to-shelter policy is reportedly one of the factors attracting many migrants to the city, who, in turn, encourage their relatives to join them. Mayor Adams has initiated legal challenges to contest this provision, which obliges the city to offer shelter to individuals lacking housing.