Cellphones, ping-pong tables and haircuts among free perks for NYC migrants
Thousands of migrants who illegally crossed the US’s southern border recently and claimed asylum are enjoying a slew of free perks in New York City.
Mayor Eric Adams — warning that the Biden administration’s border policies could cost the city more than a mind-boggling $1 billion because of the influx — has begged the White House to help the Big Apple bear the burden, to no avail.
Here are some of the benefits that come along with being an asylum-seeker in the Big Apple.
Courtesy of the city:
- Lodging, including rooms at the $300-a-night, three-star Watson Hotel in the heart of Manhattan, with private bathroom and shower, or communal living for single men at the newly opened Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook.
- Three hot meals a day, including rice, meat and beans and “snacks between meals like cookies,’’ a migrant at the terminal told The Post on Tuesday.
- Transportation, including daily free MetroCards good for two rides from sites such as the Watson. At the more isolated Brooklyn terminal, there is a free bus offered to the Barclays Center downtown, and every person receives a daily round-trip ferry ticket.
- Recreation at the terminal includes ping pong tables, five large-screen TVs and a treadmill, as well as access to free international calls and WiFi. At the former city facility on Randall’s Island, there were city-provided Xboxes.
- Health care, which the city says includes “urgent-care services and sign-up for health coverage.’’ City officials declined to elaborate.
- Education for migrant kids at public city schools.
Courtesy of private groups:
- Free cell phones during special giveaways.
- Free haircuts at times at such places as the Watson.