New York City Mayor Eric Adams made a call for migrants to be allowed to work as lifeguards in the city at a press conference on Tuesday. Adams pointed out that the city is facing a shortage of lifeguards as Memorial Day approaches and the summer months draw near. He argued that many migrants are "excellent swimmers" and could fill the much-needed roles.
The mayor suggested that a migrant and asylum seeker plan could be put in place to expedite the hiring process for these individuals. He stated that there are a large number of migrants in the city who are well-suited for the job but are currently unable to work due to bureaucratic obstacles. Adams highlighted similar shortages in other occupations, such as food service workers and nurses, and emphasized the need for a solution to this problem.
New York City has been struggling with a migrant crisis for several years now. According to officials, more than 195,000 migrants have entered the city's shelter system since 2022, and over 65,000 are still residing in shelters. Mayor Adams stressed that this is a national humanitarian crisis that requires a national solution. He urged the federal government to provide meaningful financial support and create a national resettlement strategy for migrants.
A spokesperson for Adams reiterated the mayor's call for federal assistance, stating that the federal government must finish the job of allowing hundreds of thousands of migrants into the country to immediately work. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of creating a pathway for migrants to contribute to the workforce and contribute to the city's economy.
However, Adams' comments drew sharp criticism from conservatives, who accused him of prioritizing migrants over American citizens. Commentator Dana Loesch compared Adams' statement to New York Governor Kathy Hochul's recent controversial claim that black children in the Bronx don't know what a computer is. Hochul later walked back her statement, saying it was taken out of context.
Conservative commentator Stephen L. Miller expressed frustration with the statement, saying, "F---in hell man." Others on social media also weighed in on the issue, with some questioning the logic of hiring migrants for lifeguard roles when there are plenty of qualified American citizens looking for work.
Adams' call for migrant lifeguards reflects the ongoing debate over immigration policies in the United States. While some argue that immigrants bring valuable skills and contribute to the economy, others believe that priority should be given to American citizens when it comes to job opportunities.
The city has seen a surge of migrants in recent years, with many seeking asylum and shelter in New York. With the upcoming summer season and the need for lifeguards at its beaches and pools, Mayor Adams' suggestion sparked an important conversation about the role of migrants in the workforce and their ability to contribute to the city's economy.
It remains to be seen whether the federal government will take action in response to Adams' call for assistance, and how the city will address the issue of lifeguard shortages. For now, the debate will continue as New Yorkers and Americans alike grapple with the complex issue of immigration and its impact on the workforce.