NYC to receive $104M from FEMA for asylum-seekers 

New York City will receive $104.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address expenses related to the ongoing migrant crisis in the city, authorities announced on Wednesday. 

The funds are the largest share of federal funding that will be allocated through the Shelter Services Program, announced Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a joint statement on Wednesday. 

“Today’s funds represent a strong step in the right direction — which better recognizes and rewards New York City’s unique challenge. There is more work ahead between both Houses of Congress that requires cooperation from and partnership with the GOP to produce the resources and policies our localities and state need to deal with this national issue,” the lawmakers wrote in the statement. 

The funds come as the city has received more than 72,000 undocumented migrants since last spring and is struggling to house the more than 48,000 migrants currently in the city’s care. 

With the shelters running out of space to take in more individuals, the city has transformed schools, cruise ship terminals, and hotels into shelters for asylum seekers. New York Mayor Eric Adams even suggested the possibility of compensating homeowners across the city for housing migrants in private residences.

New York City has already spent around $1.2 billion to address the migrant crisis in the city, said Adams. However, it is expected to cost the city more than $4.2 billion by June of next year, according to an internal memo dated February 6.

To help provide shelter, food, and healthcare for migrants, New York City applied for $350 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. While the $104 million is only a fraction of the amount applied for, “it’s clear that without the efforts of our congressional leadership, New York City would not have received additional federal funding,” Adams said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our entire congressional delegation to bring more resources and support to New York City, as well as push the federal government to expedite work authorization for asylum seekers,” Adams said.