Cities that once prided themselves on welcoming illegal migrants are now cutting back on their support programs due to financial pressures and local opposition. New York City, Chicago, and Denver are all grappling with the challenges brought on by a significant influx of migrants, leading to policy reversals and budget cuts.
New York City has seen over 200,000 migrants arrive since the spring of 2022. Mayor Eric Adams has described the situation as unprecedented, forcing the city to implement budget cuts across various services to cover the $1.45 billion spent on migrant support in the last fiscal year. As a result, the city has introduced a 30-day limit on shelter stays for migrants, with exceptions for those with medical needs or other urgent circumstances.
Chicago is also struggling with the financial burden of supporting migrants. Since August 2022, the city has welcomed more than 43,000 migrants, spending approximately $150 million on their care. Mayor Brandon Johnson has responded by enforcing a new 60-day shelter policy for adult migrants, while also urging the federal government to provide more substantial immigration reforms and financial support.
In Denver, more than 42,000 migrants have arrived since December 2022, costing the city an estimated $340 million. Mayor Mike Johnston announced significant budget cuts, including reductions in police and fire department funding, to reallocate resources for migrant support. The city has closed four migrant shelters to manage costs more effectively.
These changes highlight the difficulties sanctuary cities face in balancing their commitments to migrants with the realities of financial and community constraints. The Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for stricter immigration controls, has identified these cities as sanctuary jurisdictions due to their policies that limit federal immigration enforcement.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been outspoken about the strain on border states, launching Operation Lone Star to address illegal immigration. Texas has been bussing migrants to sanctuary cities to alleviate pressure on its border communities. Abbott’s administration has criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies, blaming them for the surge in illegal crossings and related problems.
Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Governor Abbott, remarked, “These cities are experiencing only a fraction of what our border towns endure daily.” He emphasized the need for federal action to secure the border and effectively manage the crisis.
