New York’s Work Authorization Failure Amid Migrant Crisis Is Dangerous

In New York City, where tens of thousands of illegal immigrants have taken residence over the past 18 months, recent reports indicate that only 800 have applied for work visas. This small figure presents a significant failure for Mayor Eric Adams (D), who prioritized fast-tracking work authorizations to alleviate an estimated $12 billion burden on the city’s taxpayers.

Adams isn’t alone in facing criticism. Democrats at the national level, including corporate media darling Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), staged a press conference outside midtown Manhattan’s Roosevelt Hotel to advocate for work authorizations and federal funding. However, their efforts were shouted down by constituents demanding a closed border. AOC and her colleagues were virtually drowned out by cries of “Send them back!” and “Respect the constitution, AOC, I am your constituent!”

Given the magnitude of the situation — with approximately 60,000 illegal immigrants currently residing in New York — the numbers are dismal. According to the New York Post, only one-quarter of these individuals have even applied for asylum, revealing a lack of interest in adhering to legal processes. This apathy toward lawful avenues of residence raises questions about the city’s ability to manage such a monumental crisis.

Democrat Councilman Bob Holden of Queens lamented the government’s ineffectiveness, stating it’s “almost like watching paint dry.” Similarly, Councilwoman Diana Ayala (D) blamed mismanagement on the part of the Adams administration, saying, “Everything that comes out of this administration changes from day to day.”

Mayor Adams has been critical of the Biden White House for failing to assist the city, claiming that New York City is unfairly burdened with solving a crisis created by the administration’s open border policies. Indeed, the administration’s lack of accountability for the escalating situation is evident. The White House deflected blame onto the city and Congress for not resolving immigration laws, even as a federal assessment team criticized the city’s tracking methods.

Meanwhile, New Yorkers are echoing concerns that resonate with many Americans. David Rem, a protestor, articulated the frustration of legal immigrants who have waited years to enter the country. He said, “If you keep rewarding people for breaking federal law by crossing the border and coming to New York illegally, it’s never going to stop.”

In the face of these struggles, Adams even declared a state of emergency over the illegal immigration crisis. Many residents now question the city’s “sanctuary” status, with one stating that the situation would “destroy New York City.”

The situation in New York exemplifies how ineffective policies and administrative mishaps, coupled with a lack of federal support, can lead to an untenable situation that neither the city nor the nation can afford to ignore. There’s a clear message from citizens that the government’s current strategies aren’t just falling short — they’re failing to address the core issues of illegal immigration.

As numbers and cries for change speak louder than political rhetoric, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the current approach to illegal immigration in New York is far from a solution. It’s part of the problem.