New York, NY—Today, the New York City Independent Budget Office (IBO) released a report detailing asylum seeker cost projections for FY25 and 26, drawing a stark contrast with cost projections released by Mayor Adams’ administration. The IBO's highest-cost estimate on spending through FY26 is $1.7 billion less than the numbers put out by City Hall. The independent agency also estimates up to $2 billion in negative fiscal consequences due to the City's irresponsible shelter eviction policies.
Murad Awawdeh, President & CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Today’s report from the Independent Budget Office confirms what we’ve known for months: the Adams Administration is flat out wrong on asylum seeker spending. The Mayor keeps using fuzzy math to justify broad cuts to New York City’s social safety net, all while pointing the finger at recent arrivals. The truth is that the Mayor is inflating cost projections and scapegoating asylum seekers to distract from his management failures. There is more than enough funding to restore critical cuts to our social infrastructure – from libraries to childcare – while bolstering investments that will ensure all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, are set up to succeed.”