The Trump administration has decided to close a migrant shelter housed in New York City’s Roosevelt Hotel, which is owned by the Pakistan government. This shelter, run under a three-year deal with Pakistan International Airlines, cost American taxpayers nearly USD 220 million a year. The decision comes amid growing criticism of spending large sums of public money on migrant housing.
New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the move. The hotel, with 1,025 rooms used to house migrants at around USD 200 per night, had become a focal point of controversy. In 2023, images of migrants camping outside the hotel led to anger among many, especially Trump supporters and members of the MAGA group. They accused the previous administration of keeping “illegal migrants in luxury hotels” and pushed for a change in policy.
The shelter closure is seen as a strategic response to these pressures from Trump backers and a signal that the federal government is rethinking its migrant housing programs. The decision may also help reduce the strain on local budgets and address concerns over the use of taxpayer money.
At the same time, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made headlines with a passionate speech in Dera Ghazi Khan. He warned that if Pakistan does not outgrow India in economic progress, he would no longer be known as Shehbaz Sharif. With dramatic gestures and strong words, he promised that his government would work tirelessly to boost Pakistan’s economy. Sharif even swore on the life of his elder brother, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, that Pakistan would achieve greatness and leave India behind. His bold statements have sparked debate online, with many calling his promises unrealistic.
The closure of the Pakistan-owned shelter in New York City has sparked reactions both in the United States and internationally. While some celebrate the decision as a step toward saving taxpayer money and tightening immigration policies, others see it as a sign of deeper political and economic tensions involving Pakistan. As this story unfolds, both American and international observers will be watching closely.