Washington Examiner

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.”

For more ⁢information, visit The Washington Examiner.

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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