NEW YORK CITY (AP) — The Roosevelt Hotel, a Manhattan shelter turned into a safe haven for international migrants, is scheduled to shut down as part of Mayor Eric Adams’ plan to address the city’s handling of migrant arrivals. With decreasing numbers of newcomers and a shift in federal immigration policies, over 50 shelters, including the Roosevelt, will cease operations by June.
Originally established in 1924 near Grand Central Terminal, the Roosevelt Hotel closed its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In response to the surge of 4,000 migrants arriving weekly in New York City, the hotel was repurposed in May 2023 to provide temporary housing for families and individuals seeking refuge. Despite its strategic location in Midtown Manhattan, the shelter faced scrutiny and controversy, with federal officials raising concerns about alleged criminal activities on the premises.
As the migrant population in the city has significantly decreased to around 45,000 individuals, Mayor Adams attributes this decline to changes in federal immigration policies and local initiatives aimed at facilitating migrants’ transition to alternative housing and communities. With the closure of the Roosevelt Hotel shelter, the city plans to relocate residents and continue providing support services for those affected.
The decision to shut down the shelter marks a significant shift in New York City’s approach to managing migrant arrivals and reflects the evolving landscape of immigration policies at the federal level.
Those individuals whose allocated shelter time extends into April or May will be provided with accommodation, either at the Roosevelt Hotel or another suitable location. In terms of newcomers, the mayor has assured that the city will maintain a system for assisting them in getting back on their feet. However, concerns have been raised by the Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless regarding the city’s capacity to meet the growing demand for services. The future of the Roosevelt Hotel building is uncertain at this point. An attempt to gather information was made on Tuesday by reaching out to a real estate company that may be involved in determining the next course of action for the property. This information was supplemented by insights from Associated Press writer Jake Offenhartz.
