In a heated debate over New York City's universal right-to-shelter policy, a new bill proposed by progressive City Council members is facing strong opposition from conservatives and some moderate Democrats. The bill aims to block Mayor Eric Adams' recent imposition of 30-day-stay limits at city-run shelters, which he implemented due to the city's capacity and resource constraints caused by the influx of tens of thousands of migrants crossing the southern border and seeking shelter in New York.

Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli, a Republican from Staten Island, criticized the bill, questioning whether it was meant for New York or Narnia. Borelli sarcastically suggested that the idea of sheltering all migrants indefinitely seemed more suitable for a fantasy land than a city facing financial limitations. He humorously asked if there would be enough "unicorn poop" to fund this policy or if he should rub a magic lamp for resources.

The legislation was introduced by progressive Democrat Councilwoman Shahana Hanif from Brooklyn. It seeks to prohibit all city agencies from imposing any restrictions on the length of shelter stays in any type of shelter. Hanif argued that the bill was necessary to prevent migrants from being forced onto the streets and criticized Mayor Adams' policy as "shameful."

Hanif has garnered support from other progressive council members, including Lincoln Restler and Sandy Nurse from Brooklyn, as well as Pierina Ana Sanchez from the Bronx. However, Queens Councilman Robert Holden, a moderate Democrat, expressed concern about stripping Mayor Adams of the tools needed to address the shelter system crisis. Holden emphasized that the right to shelter was not intended for the entire world and urged elected officials to recognize this reality instead of clinging to detached idealism.

Charles Lutvak, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams, criticized the proposed bill, stating that it was disconnected from the reality that the city is facing. Lutvak highlighted that New York City has already provided shelter to more than 122,700 asylum seekers since the spring of 2022 and stressed that the city is overwhelmed and in need of more help and resources from state and federal partners.

The bill has sparked a larger debate over New York City's universal right-to-shelter policy and how it should be applied in the current migrant crisis. Supporters of the bill argue that the city should uphold its history of providing refuge to refugees and immigrants seeking a better life. They believe that the mayor's efforts to roll back the universal right to shelter policy are cruel and inhumane.

In addition to Councilwoman Hanif, other supporters of the bill include Council Members Lincoln Restler, Jennifer Gutierrez, Carmen De La Rosa, Crystal Hudson, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Sandy Nurse, and Julie Won. Various homeless service providers, such as WIN and Coalition For The Homeless, as well as legal advocacy organizations like Legal Aid Society and Urban Justice Center, have also expressed support for the bill.

Despite the backing of these progressive voices, Mayor Adams has found support from Governor Kathy Hochul and former President Bill Clinton. They argue that the right to shelter policy was originally designed to aid the city's homeless population, not to provide housing to thousands of asylum seekers from around the world. Governor Hochul emphasized that the right to shelter was never intended to be an unlimited universal right or an obligation for the city to house the entire world.

The outcome of the bill remains uncertain, as it is unclear if the City Council has enough votes to pass the bill or override a potential mayoral veto. The controversy surrounding migrant shelters and the universal right to shelter policy has sparked intense opposition in various parts of the city.