Rep. Bruce Westerman criticizes NYC’s proposal to house illegal immigrants at a national park as the “worst idea” from the far Left.
Republican Congressman Slams NYC Plan to House Illegal Immigrants in National Parks
Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR) strongly criticized a proposal by New York City to use national park sites as housing for illegal immigrants, arguing that it undermines “America’s best idea.”
In a fiery interview on Fox News, Westerman took aim at the city’s announcement that it would repurpose Floyd Bennett Field, a former airfield and national park spanning parts of New York City and New Jersey, to accommodate undocumented migrants.
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“Our National Parks have long been hailed as America’s best idea, but thanks to Joe Biden and the far Left’s misguided agenda, they are now being compromised, and we cannot allow that,” Westerman passionately stated. “As the chair of the House Committee with jurisdiction over the park service, we cannot permit this administration, the city of New York, or anyone else to construct migrant housing centers on our National Park Service property.”
Westerman also suggested that many Democrats privately oppose this plan and would protest if the situation were reversed, citing environmental concerns.
“This land was set aside for the enjoyment of all Americans, not for the construction of migrant centers,” he emphasized. “Look at New York City. It lacks the house illegal immigrants at a national park as the “worst idea” from the far Left.”>abundant green spaces found in my home state of Arkansas, and now they want to compromise a part of that for migrant centers? We simply cannot allow that to happen.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, recently announced that the city had secured a lease agreement with the federal government to utilize Floyd Bennett Field as an emergency shelter site. Adams also used the opportunity to criticize Washington, D.C., and request additional assistance.
“However, let’s be clear: if the federal government were to declare an emergency, more federal space and funding would become available to effectively manage this crisis,” Adams stated in a CBS News statement. “Moreover, due to the lack of meaningful policy changes that could alter the course of this crisis, we have been forced to continuously open new sites as thousands of asylum seekers continue to arrive.”
Adams further expressed his dissatisfaction with the federal government’s response, calling it inadequate and lacking a long-term solution to the national problem.
The House Committee on Natural Resources, chaired by Westerman, sent a letter of protest to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and National Park Service Director Charles Sams.
“Regardless of personal or political beliefs on immigration or migrant policy, there is common ground in keeping our national parks — some of America’s most treasured spaces — out of this debate,” the letter stated. “National parks, whether in rural or urban areas, exist for visitors to experience wonder, recreation, joy, and to learn about our nation’s rich history. However, they are not meant to serve as temporary or permanent encampments for individuals lacking housing options. The Governor of New York has acknowledged the Department of the Interior’s reluctance to accommodate this request due to statutory constraints. We agree that using NPS lands to house unsheltered migrants exceeds the NPS’s statutory authority.”
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How can Democrats and Republicans work together in a bipartisan effort to find solutions that protect the sanctity of national parks and uphold the rule of law while addressing the humanitarian crisis at the border
Our cherished national parks to be used in this way.”
Westerman’s comments come after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and his administration announced their intention to convert Floyd Bennett Field into temporary housing for undocumented immigrants. The plan is part of the city’s effort to provide shelter for the increasing number of migrants crossing the southern border into the United States.
While de Blasio and his supporters argue that using national park sites is a practical solution to the current immigration crisis, Westerman believes it is a betrayal of the principles and values that national parks represent. He emphasized that national parks should be preserved for future generations to enjoy, not repurposed as housing facilities.
“There are alternatives and better options for accommodating these individuals,” Westerman asserted. “We can and should find appropriate and humane solutions without compromising our national parks.”
The congressman also expressed concern about the environmental impact of using national park sites as housing for undocumented immigrants. He argued that these areas have been carefully protected and managed to preserve their natural beauty and wildlife, and that introducing migrant centers could disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Westerman urged Democrats to overtly voice their objections to the plan, suggesting that they privately share his concerns. He called for a bipartisan effort to protect national parks and find alternative solutions to the immigration issue.
“We should be cooperating to address this crisis in a way that upholds the integrity of our national parks and respects the rule of law,” he stated. “This is not a partisan issue; it is about our shared responsibility to protect the sanctity of our natural treasures.”
The proposal to house undocumented immigrants in national park sites has sparked a heated debate between Republicans and Democrats. Critics argue that the plan jeopardizes the preservation of national parks and sends the wrong message about immigration policy. Supporters, on the other hand, believe it is a necessary response to the humanitarian crisis at the border.
As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether the New York City plan will move forward and whether other cities and states will follow suit. However, Representative Westerman’s outspoken opposition highlights the ongoing struggle to balance immigration policy with the preservation of America’s natural and cultural heritage.
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