Migrant families and their advocates gathered for a poignant rally outside the iconic New York City Hall on Tuesday, with a resounding call for Mayor Eric Adams to reconsider his controversial plan to limit the stay of newly arrived immigrants in city-run shelters to a mere 60 days. The rally, organized by prominent groups like the New York Immigration Coalition, occurred in reaction to an order issued by Adams in October. The order, motivated by the pressing necessity to ease the burden on the city’s shelter system, was a response to a notable increase in asylum-seekers crossing the southern U.S. border.

The late afternoon demonstration saw a diverse group of participants, including students and parents, converging at City Hall Park, their impassioned voices echoing through the urban landscape. Their united plea was evident: a call to Mayor Adams to reconsider the 60-day limit, contending that it only amplifies the difficulties experienced by families who have bravely embarked on a hazardous journey, escaping poverty and crime in their home countries.

Liza Schwartzwald, a director at the New York Immigration Coalition and one of the pivotal figures in organizing Tuesday’s rally, emphasized that imposing time limits on shelter stays is an undue burden on families who have endured the arduous border crossing. “There’s no excuse to retraumatize these families,” she asserted, capturing the sentiment of many who feel that compassion and understanding should guide policies affecting vulnerable populations.

Karen Alford, a vice president at the United Federation of Teachers, highlighted another dimension of the policy’s impact by expressing concern about the potential disruption it could cause to the education of migrant students. As families transition between shelters in their quest for housing, these students may face the prospect of changing schools, adding an extra layer of instability to their lives.

In response to the rally, Mayor Adams suggested earlier in the day that frustrated New Yorkers should redirect their protests to the nation’s capital. He underscored the need for collective action in Washington, D.C., urging New Yorkers to voice their concerns about the challenges the city is facing due to the surge in migrants. Adams, in alignment with other mayors of major cities, has been urging for increased federal support, coordination, and resources from President Joe Biden’s administration to address the intricate challenges associated with the issue.

The 60-day limit stands as a prominent aspect of the Adams administration’s broader efforts to overhaul New York’s decades-old “right to shelter” policy, which obligates the city to provide emergency housing to anyone who seeks it. Initially, the initial families impacted by the 60-day limit were anticipated to reach their time limit shortly after Christmas. However, the mayor’s office disclosed last week that these families would receive extensions until early January, addressing immediate concerns but leaving lingering questions about the long-term implications of the policy.

Approximately 3,500 families have received notices about the time limits so far, adding to the complexity of an already challenging situation. Single adult migrants are already subject to a 30-day limit in shelters. For those families who still require assistance after reaching their move-out deadline, the process involves reapplying. Nonetheless, municipal authorities advise that securing an alternative placement may not happen promptly, potentially resulting in families being directed to the expansive tent complexes erected by the city, situated a considerable distance from the vibrant core of Manhattan.