In shadow of Statue of Liberty, Fulop and Jersey City officials say they won’t turn backs on migrants
In a noteworthy display of compassion, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and other prominent leaders have expressed their openness to welcome migrants arriving from the southern border. This gesture comes in stark contrast to the resistance faced by migrants from New York City officials and some in New Jersey.
Labelled as the “Golden Door” of America, Jersey City has become a haven for migrants as multiple buses from Texas have chosen New Jersey as a destination, strategically avoiding an order imposed by New York City Mayor Eric Adams to restrict the entry of thousands of migrants into Manhattan.
Mayor Fulop took to social media on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for a smart and statewide solution while championing compassion. He responded to Edison Mayor Sam Joshi’s statement that migrants aren’t welcome in his city, asserting that Jersey City’s values have always prioritized helping those in need.
“Our values in Jersey City and New Jersey have never been about turning our back to people in need; we shouldn’t start now because a political sound bite is easy,” Mayor Fulop stated.
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Support for welcoming migrants extends beyond Mayor Fulop, with local officials such as Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman, Councilmen Yousef Saleh and James Solomon, and Hudson County Board of Commissioners member Bill O’Dea expressing their solidarity. The city, known for its historical association with the Statue of Liberty, sees itself as a symbol of welcoming immigrants.
Councilman Saleh highlighted the importance of a welcoming approach, emphasizing that demonizing legal asylum seekers is unwarranted. Meanwhile, Mayor Fulop revealed that Jersey City has been housing migrants in various city motels over the past few months, underscoring the city’s commitment to assisting those in need.
Secaucus Mayor Mike Gonnelli reported that 11 out of 23 migrant buses arrived at the NJ Transit station in Secaucus. The buses, sent by Texas officials, aimed to comply with Mayor Adams’ order by allowing migrants to take additional transportation to New York.
Despite the humanitarian crisis labeled by Mayor Adams, Gonnelli stressed that Secaucus cannot bear the burden of the situation, stating that the Secaucus Junction falls under NJ Transit and State Police jurisdiction.
In contrast to Jersey City’s welcoming stance, Edison Mayor Sam Joshi expressed a different sentiment, suggesting that migrants “belong on the other side of the border.” However, Jersey City officials maintained that federal and state governments should play a role in handling the migrant situation, emphasizing that it doesn’t excuse turning away legal asylum seekers.
Board Chair of Welcome Home Jersey City, David Mammen, urged a careful approach if migrants decide to settle in the city. While acknowledging the concerns about limited resources, he emphasized the importance of observing how state and local governments respond, highlighting potential opportunities for community groups to contribute.
As the situation unfolds, Jersey City stands as a beacon of compassion, navigating the complex intersection of humanitarian concerns and the need to address the welfare of both migrants and local residents.
