The pursuit of the "American dream" has brought a significant migrant crisis to New York City. Thousands of immigrants seeking better lives and opportunities have flocked to the Big Apple, creating a housing crisis and overwhelming local authorities.
Since last year, New York City has received 118,000 migrants, with over 60,000 of them placed in the city's shelter system. However, officials are grappling with the challenges of meeting their needs.
Mayor Eric Adams has described the situation as a humanitarian crisis that could potentially "destroy New York City."
The majority of migrants have arrived in New York from countries in South America and West Africa, hoping for safety, employment, and stability. Yet, integrating them into a new city presents complex challenges, both for the migrants and the administration.
These migrants are typically housed in hotels, office buildings, and school gyms. The city has been using budget hotels to accommodate them, but housing options are becoming increasingly limited.
Mayor Adams estimates that the influx of migrants could cost the city $12 billion over three years. He has explored unconventional housing options, including parking lots and cruise ships.
Both Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have criticised the Biden administration for not providing sufficient support to address the migrant crisis.
Aware of the acute crisis, many New Yorkers advocate for a humanitarian approach to the issue and the strategic allocation of resources.
One immigrant woman in the city expresses doubts about whether New York is an ideal place for newcomers due to the severe housing crisis.
Others believe that the "American dream" is turning into a "nightmare" for some migrants but emphasise that more can be done to assist them.
While New York has limited space, it also has many unused spaces that could be repurposed to help migrants.
In addition to housing challenges, migrants are also struggling to find employment. They must obtain work permits before officially starting work, a process that can take up to six months. In the meantime, they often work as undocumented labourers, facing overwork and underpayment.