The Trump administration has decided to close a migrant shelter at the Pakistan-owned Roosevelt Hotel in New York City due to rising public outcry over the financial burden on taxpayers. This closure comes as Mayor Eric Adams shifts political support towards Trump and amid ongoing protests over migrant accommodations. In parallel, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stirred controversy with bold claims regarding surpassing India economically, drawing criticism for his lack of concrete policy plans.
In a strategic decision, the Trump administration has ordered the closure of a migrant shelter at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, owned by the Pakistani government. This facility has reportedly cost New York City around $220 million annually. The closure follows rising controversies over the use of taxpayer money for accommodating migrants, influenced by pressure from Trump supporters, particularly the MAGA group.
New York’s Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the shelter’s closure after facing corruption allegations under the Biden administration. Previously, he had shifted his support toward Trump. The migrant shelter, housing 1,025 rooms at a rate of approximately $200 per night, was part of a three-year, $220 million agreement with Pakistan International Airlines, initiated in May 2023.
In 2023, New York City experienced a surge of around 4,000 migrants weekly, leading to protests from MAGA supporters and residents upset over the sight of migrants outside the hotel. Trump and his followers criticized the Democratic administration for “housing illegal migrants in luxury hotels,” intensifying calls for policy reforms and stricter immigration controls.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has made headlines with a bold claim during a rally in Dera Ghazi Khan, stating he would no longer be called Shehbaz Sharif if Pakistan does not overtake India in economic growth. His impassioned speech left many questioning his credibility as he emphasized his commitment to improving Pakistan’s situation.
During the rally, he passionately affirmed: “We will work day and night to ensure the situation in Pakistan improves. The Almighty has always blessed Pakistan.” In a fervent moment, he remarked, “My name won’t be Shehbaz Sharif if due to our efforts Pakistan does not leave India behind” in terms of economic success.
To underscore his determination, he swore on the life of his elder brother, Nawaz Sharif, promising to strive for Pakistan’s greatness. He declared, “I am Nawaz Sharif’s fan, his follower. Today, I swear on his blessed life that… we will all work together to take Pakistan to greatness and defeat India.”
Sharif’s visit aimed to reassure citizens about the government’s dedication to addressing serious economic issues while announcing infrastructure projects. However, Pakistan has struggled economically, facing a significant financial crisis and strict austerity measures affecting its population.
Following his speech, video clips of Sharif’s claims circulated widely on social media, resulting in criticism for perceived unrealistic promises. Users questioned the feasibility of his assertions, particularly given his recent call for dialogue with India amidst ongoing tensions, where India’s Ministry of External Affairs asserted, “Talks and terror cannot go hand-in-hand.”
The Trump administration’s closure of the migrant shelter at Roosevelt Hotel marks a significant policy shift amidst growing public and political pressure in New York City. Concurrently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ambitious claims regarding economic growth compared to India have sparked debates about credibility and practical policy commitments. Both situations underscore the complex political landscapes in the U.S. and Pakistan regarding migration policy and economic challenges.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
