New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called for a more humane approach to the ongoing migrant crisis following his visit to Colombia. Adams spoke about the issue during a gaggle with the local Colombian press on October 7th, according to a press transcript released by his office.
During his visit to Colombia, Adams witnessed firsthand the conditions faced by migrants attempting to cross the treacherous Darién Gap into Panama and eventually the United States. He emphasized the importance of a unified and compassionate response to the crisis, drawing on his observations during his visit.
"It breaks my heart that in New York City, we have reached full capacity and we are placing children in conditions that I would not want to place my child in. And at the Darién Gap, I saw children placed in conditions that no one here would want to place their child. And so my goal is to use this information and use what the people of Colombia and New York have been doing to have a more humane response to a crisis that's impacting children. This has been an eye-opening experience," Adams said during the gaggle.
Adams also addressed the ongoing immigration crisis during his visit to the northern Colombian town of Necocli, which serves as a starting point for many migrants embarking on the dangerous journey through the roadless Darien jungle. Speaking from a dock where migrants board boats bound for the treacherous jungle passage, Adams urged countries in the Americas to collaborate on resolving the issue.
He praised Colombia's approach to integrating immigrants, particularly their emphasis on allowing people to work. Adams highlighted the importance of allowing individuals to contribute to society through employment. "When you look at Colombia, they have really shown how to absorb individuals into their societies, and one of the most important ways to do it is to allow people to work," he said.
Adams believes that the right to work is a fundamental human right that should be extended to all individuals. He emphasized that nothing is more humane or American than allowing people the opportunity to work and contribute to their communities.
The New York City mayor's visit to Colombia has provided him with valuable insights into the migrant crisis and the importance of a compassionate response. Adams plans to use this information to advocate for a more humane approach to the crisis, particularly when it comes to protecting the well-being of children.
