Immigration Equality Denounces Mayor Adams’ Exclusion of Asylum Seekers From “Right-To-Shelter” Policy

New York, NY (January 27th, 2023) — Letter from Aaron C. Morris, Executive Director, Immigration Equality to Mayor Adams administration.

“Dear Mayor Adams,

I hope you’re well. I wanted to reach out to let you know that Immigration Equality strongly condemns the Mayor’s off-the-cuff remark yesterday that NYC’s right-to-shelter policy does not apply to asylum seekers. As you know, low-income LGBTQ people generally struggle to find culturally competent and affordable housing in New York City. That problem is so much more exacerbated for LGBTQ asylum seekers, the vast majority of whom will be successful in their legal claims if they are able to find a safe place to live while they wait for a result.

New York City must remain a beacon of hope for LGBTQ asylum seekers. As a gay New Yorker, I am appalled by the Mayor’s suggestion that we would turn away people from our community who have fled persecution and torture. While I agree with the Mayor that the federal government should provide funding to the City to help pay for housing asylum seekers, we must find a way to do so with or without federal funding.

New York is the greatest city in the world, and one of the most welcoming. The Mayor knows this, and should take every step necessary to ensure it continues to be true.

Best Wishes,
Aaron C. Morris, Executive Director
Immigration Equality”