The well-known Roosevelt Hotel in the heart of Manhattan, with its history of being a refugee sanctuary, has ceased its humanitarian efforts due to diminishing border migration. The quiet of the now vacant lobby contrasts starkly with its past bustle, reminders of its previous function still linger, like the remains from deflated welcoming balloons for incoming refugees. The hotel, once an energetic hub of migration-related activities, now stands silent and unoccupied. Remnants of its former purpose are few, including a map of the U.S with arrows pointing towards New York and a note in Spanish stating, ‘You are here.’
The grandiose ballroom that once housed temporary occupants on cots no longer buzzes with the chatter and anticipation it used to. This space, a frequent bid spot for NY politicians, ended up serving migrants when they couldn’t immediately secure a room. The Roosevelt ended its function as the city’s most notable migrant shelter after 767 days, commencing its work in May 2023. Its role in the city’s migrant crisis now feels like a fading memory as thousands of rooms are returned to their original purpose.
The arrival of the Roosevelt Hotel as a shelter was initially greeted by a gamut of responses including confusion, criticism, and support. As the last families were transferred to their next temporary homes and the housekeeping team undertook the daunting task of resetting the dwellings, the departure was markedly quiet. Like the asylum seeker crisis it was designed to counter, the shelter’s end gathered little attention, echoing the quiet end of the immigrant dilemma.
Maria Lumbi, a 35-year-old mother hailing from Ecuador, was notable among the hotel’s last few visitors. However, rather than seeking asylum, she was there in pursuit of a flight ticket back to her home country. Her reason was poignant as it highlighted the challenges other migrants were perhaps facing – the inability to secure employment ‘I choose to go back,’ she succinctly stated.
In its enactment of a humanitarian duty, the Roosevelt Hotel inadvertently attracted criticisms, including from then-President Trump. Minority voices claimed that it was a fruitless use of taxpayers’ capital and an unintentional promotion of illegitimate migration, further enabling the political divide. This controversial role gradually simmered down as asylum-seeker crossings slowed down and finally stopped altogether under Mayor Eric Adams. His administration announced cease of operations, veiling the shelter’s future in uncertainty.
Speculation of the Roosevelt’s uncertain future ranges from transforming into a skyscraper to its return as a luxury hotel. Located in the Midtown region, the 18-story establishment’s future is a justified field of interest. Its formerly prominent role in New York City’s complex immigration narrative has spanned years, rendering it a significant landmark in the city’s historical tapestry.
The hotel, during its stint as a refugee shelter, provided more than just a roof over migrants’ heads. The lobby served as a semi-clinic, where nurses worked long hours to cater to the new arrivals, who frequently appeared disoriented or fatigued from the journey. Given the Roosevelt’s former glory as a high-end hotel, a substantial refurbishment would be imminent should it wish to cater to tourists again.
The Roosevelt encapsulates much of New York’s history within its walls, from its distinguished block on East 45th Street to the underground tunnel linking to the Grand Central Terminal. Since its establishment in 1924, it maintained a notable suite where Thomas E. Dewey resided and worked during his gubernatorial tenure. This suite is preserved as a testament to the hotel’s rich history.
The height of the refugee crisis in 2023 witnessed an unforgettable sight in New York City. Coaches from the then-Republican Texas governor’s office unloaded their human cargo around the city at unusual hours, often without any prior notice. The team at the Roosevelt hotel saw themselves as primary responders in this humanitarian dilemma.
The hundreds of migrants who sought refuge in the Roosevelt were often seen outside the hotel, adding to the dynamic and multicultural ambiance of the city. However, their presence wasn’t positively received by everyone. For a certain section of New Yorkers, the sight of immigrants thronging the sidewalks corroborated their qualms, accelerating the discourses around the quality of life in the city.
Unfortunately, crime accompanied the wonder of the city’s multiculturalism. The occasional instances of violence and series of thefts associated with a few refugees made the Roosevelt a focal point for the critics. In contrast, law enforcement agencies consistently reassured the public that most migrants seeking refuge were peaceful, underscoring the vast differences in opinion on this issue.
On wrap up, the hotel’s closure has left a void, an enormous space in Midtown Manhattan. The former shelter adds to the city’s changing landscape and the ongoing debate surrounding border immigration in America. The echoes of the hotel’s rich history as shelter, both positive and negative, seem to enhance its iconic symbolism, making its future a matter of keen interest for observers from varying spheres.
Additionally, there were controversies surrounding the hotel’s conversion into a refuge. Despite the city’s efforts to provide shelter and basic medical care for the migrants, the former hotel was seen by some as a hotspot for disorder. This view was further exacerbated by random acts of violence and a string of robberies that implicated some of the migrants.
Critics of the project frequently pointed to these incidents as proof of the shelter’s inability to effectively serve its intended purpose. However, law enforcement officials insisted that these incidents were the exception and not the norm, with the vast majority of migrants remaining peaceful during their stay at the hotel.
While the closure of the Roosevelt as a shelter brings an end to one chapter of its history, it potentially ushers in a new era. Amidst widespread speculation about its future, some believe that the grand building may be redeveloped into a soaring skyscraper, marking a new landmark in the metropolis.
Ultimately, the Roosevelt Hotel’s transformation into a migrant safe haven and its subsequent closure, mirrors the ebb and flow of the city’s own migration story. Whether it’s remembered as a beacon of hope in a humanitarian crisis or a symbol of divisiveness, it has indelibly etched itself into the annals of New York City’s ever-unfolding narrative.
The post Echoes of Asylum: The Silent Roosevelt in the Heart of Manhattan appeared first on Real News Now.
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