NYC Migrants Refuse Free Relocation Offers, Opting to Stay

Despite eviction from shelters, less than 2% of NYC migrants accept free transportation to leave, choosing to remain in the city.

Migrants evicted from NYC's shelter system are overwhelmingly rejecting free plane or bus tickets to relocate, with fewer than 2% accepting the offer.
Many migrants prefer to stay in New York City due to the challenges of starting over, the support received, and the hope for work authorization.
The city has spent $7.6 million on re-ticketing efforts since the crisis began in spring 2022, yet the initiative has had minimal impact.
Officials stress the need for more federal support, including expedited work authorization for asylum seekers, to alleviate the shelter crisis.
Critics argue that the city's policy of limiting shelter stays to 30 days is inhumane and counterproductive, exacerbating the situation.