Opinion: Will Eric Adams accuse Joe Biden of racism like he did Greg Abbott over NYC migrant crisis?
Last year Mayor Eric Adams of New York City accused Texas Governor Greg Abbott of playing politics with people's lives by busing asylum seekers to "Black-run cities," including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
In May 2023, Adams again accused Abbott of "using this crisis to hurt Black-run cities" and that his actions are "morally bankrupt and devoid of any concern for the well-being of asylum seekers."
"It is also impossible to ignore the fact that Abbott is now targeting five cities run by Black mayors. Put plainly, Abbott is using this crisis to hurt Black-run cities, Adams said".
The New York Times reported more than 150,100 migrants have arrived in New York. Abbott has bussed approximately 70,000 migrants since last year. And the Biden administration has sent thousands migrants to cities including New York City.
Texas Senator John Cornyn says since President Biden took office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has logged more than 5.4 million illegal border crossings, plus at least 1.5 million “gotaways.”
“A little-known part of the Biden administration's CBP One parole program permits inadmissible aliens to make an appointment to fly directly to airports in the interior of the United States, bypassing the border altogether. Partial data on the program, just obtained by the Center for immigration Studies pursuant to a Freedom of Information Act request, reveals that more than 200,000 people from four countries have used this direct-flight and parole program over the past year. via Center for Immigration Studies: (Source)
Adams has repeatedly expressed concern about the influx of migrants into the city, stating that New York is overwhelmed and needs more assistance from the federal government. Mayor Adams has repeatedly requested financial and logistical assistance to manage the crisis.
Following his latest visit to Washington DC, Adams said in a press conference help is not on the way. “We did not walk out from DC with any level of optimism that anything is going to drastically change. It is clear that for the time being of this crisis is going to be carried by the cities. I left with the cold reality of that help is not on the way in the immediate future.”
In August 2023, the Department of Homeland Security announced funding of more than $770 million had been allocated for temporary shelter and other eligible costs associated with migrants awaiting the outcome of their immigration proceedings.
New York City alone says it will spend $12 Billion through July 2025 to handle the migrant crisis.
Adams' frustration is understandable. The migrant crisis has placed a significant strain on New York City's resources, with shelters overflowing and services stretched thin. The city will have to implement widespread budget cuts that’s going to affect schools, public libraries, police, sanitation, and other public services.
'Don't blame me, blame D.C.' Mayor Adams said after announcing the budget cuts.
Adams handling of the migrant crisis in addition to crime has impacted his job approval rating. A recent Quinnipiac University poll revealed that Mayor Eric Adams' approval has sunk to a record-low 28%. Politico reported this is the lowest rating for any New York City mayor since the university began polling registered voters in the city in 1996.
Black Political Opinion: Will Eric Adams call Biden a racist like he did Abbott for the migrant crisis in NYC?
"This issue will destroy New York City, Adams said at a townhall back in September. These harsh words marked a significant change in the mayor's criticism, which previously focused on advocating for increased resources without directly blaming the Biden administration.
Adams previously accusing Texas Governor Greg Abbott of playing "racial politics" by busing migrants specifically to Black-run cities. His comment suggests that he is not averse to injecting race into this crisis.
However, directly accusing President Biden of racism would be a major escalation and could fracture an already strained relationship with the White House. Adams revealed in August that he hasn’t spoken to Biden since 2022.
If Eric Adams believed his own rhetoric in accusing Abbott of racism and being “morally bankrupt and devoid of any concern for the well-being of asylum seekers,” why doesn't he make the same argument against the Biden administration who has done little to stem the massive influx of illegal immigration that is overwhelming his city and other Black-run cities?
Will any of the Black mayors call out Biden for this crisis?