New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani listens to a reporter's question during a press conference in New York City, U.S. December 22, 2025. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
(New York, New York) – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is proposing an additional $1.2 billion in this year’s budget to cover the ongoing costs of caring for migrants arriving in the city. The funding request comes as the number of asylum seekers in the city’s care has declined significantly from its peak — dropping from 68,660 in January 2024 to 30,813 as of last month, according to the mayor’s budget proposal.
City officials note that, as of February 2026, only one emergency shelter site remains operating outside of the Department of Homeless Services system, exclusively serving single adults. Despite the reduction in overall migrant numbers, the administration argues that continued funding is necessary to maintain shelter operations, legal services, and other support programs tied to the migrant response.
The proposed allocation follows massive spending in prior fiscal years. The city spent $3.75 billion on migrant-related costs in fiscal year 2024 alone, and a total of $8.11 billion between fiscal years 2023 and 2025 during the height of the crisis.
The mayor’s latest request is expected to reignite debate in City Hall over the long-term financial impact of the migrant influx, as lawmakers weigh budget priorities amid broader fiscal pressures facing the city.
