Anti-immigration protests have been intensifying in Staten Island, New York, following the opening of a migrant shelter in the predominantly Italian-American neighborhood of Arrochar.
Background: A migrant shelter at a former Catholic school has sparked protests in Staten Island, housing 60 people amidst an influx of around 100,000 migrants seeking shelter in New York City over the past year.
* Staten Island, known for its conservative views, is unusual with its anti-immigration stance within the otherwise Democratic New York City.
Critics Speak: Borough President Vito Fossella and others have filed a suit against the city government wanting to shut down the shelter.
* Fossella voiced that Staten Island did not cause the immigration problem and questioned its obligation to solve it. He also stated that the city’s budget cannot afford to care for the influx of migrants and argued for Staten Island’s secession.
Community Reactions: While some locals view the shelter as a threat, especially its proximity to a school, others voice concerns over the intensifying anti-immigrant sentiment.
* Peter Monte, a local, expressed his discomfort because of the shelter’s proximity to a school while Michelle Molina, director of a nonprofit assisting immigrants, worries about a rise in hate crimes due to escalating hateful remarks.
Legal Developments: A state judge’s recent ruling requires migrants to vacate the shelter, but this is pending an appeal from New York City.
* Following the judicial decision, ten protestors were arrested for directing anger towards a bus carrying asylum seekers.
* Despite the ruling, the 60 residents of the shelter can remain there for now due to the city’s appeal.
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