In a significant move, the United States has finalized a contract that will allow the utilization of the Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York as a shelter for Caribbean asylum seekers. The Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, made the announcement, stating that the city and the US federal government have reached an agreement on this matter.
Under the agreement, New York City has entered into a lease with the federal government, granting them permission to use the Floyd Bennett Airfield in Brooklyn as an emergency shelter for asylum seekers. Mayor Adams revealed that this facility will accommodate the increasing number of individuals seeking asylum, which has surpassed 113,300 since the spring of 2022.
This agreement comes after months of negotiations, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul announcing last month that the Joe Biden administration had given the green light. The majority of asylum seekers arriving in New York from the southern borders of the United States are nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
Mayor Adams expressed his satisfaction that the federal government has finally allowed the use of Floyd Bennett Field to assist in housing the significant number of asylum seekers seeking care in New York City. Governor Hochul’s commitment to this location and the allocation of necessary funding were welcomed by New City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who is the son of Grenadian immigrants.
Williams emphasized the importance of ensuring that the shelters meet the required standards, including security precautions, availability of resources, and transportation accessibility for both migrants and community organizations. He pledged to work diligently to ensure that these standards are met.
This development marks a significant step forward in providing support and assistance to those seeking refuge in the United States. The utilization of the Floyd Bennett Airfield as a shelter for Caribbean asylum seekers demonstrates the commitment of New York City and the federal government to address the needs of these individuals in a humane and compassionate manner.
