Payam Javan: New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a new measure on October 16, restricting immigrant families with children in city shelters to a maximum stay of 60 days. The move is a response to the overwhelming influx of over 126,000 illegal immigrants into New York since the previous year, exacerbating challenges in housing and employment. The strain on the shelter systems, currently accommodating more than 64,000 illegal immigrants, has prompted the city to implement stricter limitations, with approximately 600 newcomers daily. Mayor Adams emphasized that the city has reached its breaking point and lacks the necessary support from other government levels to manage the national humanitarian crisis.

Under the new rule, immigrant families with children, who were previously allowed to stay in shelters until they secured long-term housing, will now have to reapply every 60 days. The mayor acknowledged the need for federal and state assistance, emphasizing that the city will provide families with 60 days’ notice and intensified casework services to explore alternative housing options. This announcement builds on the city’s earlier decision to limit shelter for adult immigrants without children to a 30-day stay.