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In the United States the consequences of the migration crisis caused by the governor of Texas. Republican Greg Abbott continues to send busloads of migrants to the east coast. A controversial and criticized maneuver at the top of the state. In New York, the mayor has declared a state of emergency and local associations are organizing themselves as best they can.
From our correspondent in New York,
« No, 10 and a half is too much for you. Put them away “. At the church of Santa Rita, it is the day of the distribution of winter clothing. For several weeks this church has been helping migrants and asylum seekers who have recently arrived in New York, such as Manuela, a 26-year-old Venezuelan accompanied by her daughter and her husband : “ Here we are given food and clothing. And the three of us stayed in a hotel room ».
She and her family arrived two weeks ago after a long and perilous journey: ” We took 28, 30 days. We walked, took buses. We left our country due to the economic crisis, the lack of work… everything ! »
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“Expelled” by the Governor of Texas
Manuela is one of more than 25,000 migrants bussed from the southern US border by the Republican governor of Texas. They often arrive exhausted, hungry and lost, according to Helen Foster of St. Rita’s Church. ” They just tell him to go. They’re put on one bus, their kids on another, they’re worried… They’re really treated like cattle ».
Faced with these massive arrivals, self-help associations and volunteers have set up reception centers which offer, in particular, psychological support.
« We see immediately that they are in trouble. So what we’re trying to do is control them and give them emotional support. They feel overwhelmed. They are very grateful to be there, but some have not chosen to come to New York. And there are many things that emerge. Many of them have been traveling for 35 months and this is the first time they have been cared for, explains Mariposa who is part of an association for the defense of migrants. ” Some have experienced trauma, been exposed to sexual and physical violence, faced weather challenges, it’s a lot ! Mariposa still complains. She says she is shocked by the Texas governor’s decisions: ” It’s really disgusting to see human beings being used as pawns in a political game. It’s outrageous, it’s beyond me. »
These associations also consider the mayor’s solutions for housing migrants insufficient. New York, which is already facing a housing crisis, finds itself overwhelmed by these massive arrivals. In all, caring for these migrants is expected to cost the city more than $600 million this year.
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