A coalition of liberal mayors, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, has renewed its appeal to the federal government to declare a federal emergency in response to the ongoing migrant crisis impacting their cities.
The mayors held a virtual press conference to emphasize the urgency of the situation, expressing that their cities are overwhelmed and lack the capacity to accommodate further arrivals.
Mayor Adams highlighted the increasing challenges as temperatures drop in cities like New York, Chicago, and Denver, urging a federal declaration of emergency, financial support, and the implementation of a national resettlement strategy. Mayor Johnston underscored the practical difficulties faced by migrants, revealing that some are receiving court dates as late as 2027.
He emphasized the need for expedited work permits, pointing out that many migrants are unable to work while awaiting authorization. Mayor Johnston also emphasized the significant financial impact on Denver, estimating potential costs of around $160 million, nearly 10% of the entire city budget, for the upcoming year.
The coalition has previously advocated for an additional $5 billion in federal assistance to address the challenges associated with the migrant crisis. However, the White House’s request for approximately $1.4 billion in supplemental funding to support communities nationwide is facing obstacles in Congress.
Republicans are calling for more stringent asylum limits, contributing to the delay in approving the requested funding. The mayors’ collective plea reflects the pressing need for federal intervention and resources to address the crisis arising from the influx of migrants in their cities.