Democrats are masters at redefining words to fit their specific problem, shanghaiing the typically understood English language. Former President Bill Clinton asked what the definition of is, is; the current president renamed the Declaration of Independence the “thingy”; the term fascist at this time applies to conservative ideals and not authoritarian economic and social control. And now New York City Mayor Eric Adams wants to know exactly what constitutes the meaning of sanctuary cities.
It was all good and well until Title 42 was set to run its course so that illegal immigrants, not permitted to be turned away for COVID precautions, would be heading unchecked toward a liberal-run city near you. Adams, who heads the juggernaut of Democratic-controlled metropolises, is panicking. “We have been told in no uncertain terms that … we should expect an influx of buses coming from the border and that more than 1,000 additional asylum seekers will arrive in New York City every week,” Adams lamented. “We are in urgent need for help.”
But, but – aren’t you one of the virtuous sanctuary cities? At least that was the narrative during President Donald Trump’s term in office. So, where did that blustering bravado go now that the gates are about to be thrown open wide?
A Thousand a Week Break the Bank
Adams sounded the alarm, warning that 1,000 immigrant asylum seekers per week could upend his budget already stretched thin. To care for these people being bused in from Texas, Arizona, and other border locations, some locals are about to be deprived of shelter beds, food, clothing, iPhones, credit cards, and run-of-the-mill necessities. The mayor finds that unacceptable. But he seems poised to slash what he needs to absorb the newcomers: “These are not choices we want to make, but they may become necessary, and I refuse to be forced to choose new arrivals over current New Yorkers.” Ironically, that has been the message posited by Trump and folks overrun in heavy crossing areas like Del Rio, TX.
Adams is angry enough to blame everyone on both sides of the political aisle for ignoring his plaintive cries of “uncle.” As the clock ticks, he’s making the rounds, speaking to anyone who will listen. But really, Mayor Adams, there is this thing called Twitter that says you might be a hypocrite. In January 2018, Adams blew it by posturing and puffing about a sanctuary city event at the White House:
“I will NOT be attending today’s meeting at the White House after @realDonaldTrump’s Department of Justice decided to renew their racist assault on our immigrant communities. It doesn’t make us safer, and it violates America’s core values.”
Trump, of course, snapped back, saying sanctuary policies hurt Americans, suggesting that his adversaries were placing “the needs of criminal, illegal immigrants over law-abiding America.” Which is Adams’ message today.
Sanctuary Cities Are Just That
(Photo by Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images)
Sanctuary cities are loosely defined as jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal immigration agents and instead protect the needs of people from another country without the legal right to be in the United States. NYC leaders have promised and promoted that for years -- when the narrative made them look puffed up with compassion. Now, New Yorkers are beginning to growl. Homelessness is on the rise, shelters are packed, and resources are dwindling: the same stories that have been told for years at the US southern border with Mexico. And the Big Apple hasn’t done itself any favors: It’s against the law to turn anyone away who seeks shelter.
To compound the bad tidings this season, Adams, urged by homeless advocates, has asked hoteliers to open up their establishments to the influx. For an emergency of a few days, that could be swallowed, but when it’s an infinite time frame due to poor decision-making, that will further sour the electorate.
But Adams stubbornly refuses to accept any responsibility for the pickle he finds himself in: “New Yorkers … have been asked to shoulder this burden almost entirely alone, despite the fact that this challenge originated far beyond our city’s borders.” Yep, in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona -- states that have been “shouldering that burden” all along. They are tired, and it’s time for sanctuary cities to take a turn. Maybe the next invite to a meeting on illegal immigration that comes your way, you should accept.
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