New York City is distributing flyers along the U.S. Mexico border, telling newly-arrived migrants to “consider a different city”. The city’s Democratic Mayor says that it has a shortage of housing for asylum seekers.

The office of Mayor Eric Adams announced on Wednesday that the flyers were intended to “combat false information at the border”, and the city would assist migrants in finding other housing, and “take the “next step” on their journey.”

New York City claims to have provided services to nearly 55,000 migrants since the spring of last year. The Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent buses to pick up thousands of migrants. Abbott is a Republican and has been trying to shift responsibility for their reception to Democratic strongholds.

New York has been bound to provide housing for those who are homeless by a consent decree that dates back decades. Adams has been trying a variety of housing options for migrants as they arrive, including tents and relocating to other areas of the state.

In a joint press release, two groups that advocate for New York City’s homeless population — the Legal Aid Society (LAS) and the Coalition for the Homeless (CfH) — said they were reviewing the validity of the 60-day limit.

This new policy raises a number of questions and concerns which the City has not yet addressed. Also, it is unclear whether state officials have given any input into what the city proposes to implement.

The state is legally required to ensure that those without shelter are protected and safe from the elements.

Adams declared a State of Emergency in October 2022. He has asked Joe Biden, a Democrat who is also Adams’s friend, to provide additional resources and help migrants obtain work permits.

New York City is planning to distribute a new flyer at the border that highlights the high costs of housing, food, and other necessities for migrants who travel to the U.S. Financial Center.

It reads “Please consider other cities when you decide where to settle in America.”