NYC Taxpayers Fund Pakistan-Owned Hotel to House Migrants, Sparks Outcry
Washington:
New York City’s decision to pay $220 million to rent the iconic Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan to house illegal immigrants has sparked controversy, Drawing criticism from political figures like Vivek Ramaswamy. The Republican presidential candidate called the arrangement “nuts,” highlighting the fact that the hotel is owned by the Pakistani government.
“A taxpayer-funded hotel for illegal migrants is owned by the Pakistani government which means NYC taxpayers are effectively paying a foreign government to house illegals in our own country. This is nuts,” Ramaswamy stated in a social media post.
A taxpayer-funded hotel for illegal migrants is owned by the Pakistani government which means NYC taxpayers are effectively paying a foreign government to house illegals in our own country. This is nuts. https://t.co/Oy4Z9qoX45
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) December 1, 2020
A “Sweetheart Deal”?
John LeFevre, the author who first brought the story to light, explained the unusual arrangement. “The city of New York pays $220 million to rent the entire Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan to house illegal migrants,” he said. LeFevre highlights the fact that the Roosevelt Hotel is owned by Pakistan International Airlines, a government-owned entity.
According to LeFevre, the deal is part of a broader $1.1 billion IMF bailout package aimed at helping Pakistan avoid defaulting on its international debt. “Prior to this sweetheart deal, the hotel had been closed since 2020, having long-struggled with occupancy and in dire need of renovation,” he wrote.
A Historic Hotel Finds New Purpose
Named after former US President Theodore Roosevelt, the 19-story hotel now serves as a temporary shelter for illegal immigrants. It boasts over 1,200 rooms and was shut down for renovations before being leased by New York City.
RestTemplate Collider:
## Interview with a City Council Member on the Roosevelt Hotel Migrant Housing
**Host:** Joining me today is City Council Member [Alex Reed Name] to discuss the recent controversy surrounding the use of the Roosevelt Hotel to house asylum seekers.
Councilmember [Alex Reed Name], thank you for joining us.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** New York City has agreed to pay $220 million to rent the Roosevelt Hotel for this purpose. This has sparked a lot of debate, especially considering the hotel is owned by the Pakistani government. What are your thoughts on the situation?
**Alex Reed:** This is a complex issue with no easy answers. We are facing a humanitarian crisis with a significant influx of asylum seekers. The city has a moral obligation to provide them with shelter and support. The Roosevelt Hotel, being a large, vacant building, presents a potential solution to this pressing need.
**Host:** Some critics, including presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, have called this arrangement “nuts” and criticized the fact that taxpayer money is going towards a hotel owned by a foreign government.
**Alex Reed:** I understand these concerns. Transparency and accountability are crucial in how we handle taxpayer dollars. It’s important to scrutinize contracts and ensure we are getting the best value for our money. However, I believe focusing on the hotel’s ownership distracts from the real issue: the urgent need to accommodate vulnerable individuals fleeing dangerous situations. We must prioritize compassion and finding practical solutions while ensuring responsible fiscal management. [[1](https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-migrants-asylum-hotels-183dc6f5fc563da98f3abc56d941799c)]
**Host:** Do you believe the city is doing enough to address the broader issue of asylum seeker housing?
**Alex Reed:** The city is working tirelessly to find solutions, opening temporary shelters, providing support services, and advocating for federal assistance. We need a more coordinated, long-term strategy that involves all levels of government. This is not a problem that New York City can solve alone.
**Host:** Thank you, Councilmember [Alex Reed Name], for sharing your insights on this important issue.
