Brooklyn businesses are in favor of expedited work authorizations for migrants as they focus their fight against inflation, according to a new survey from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
Recent reports stated over 175,300 migrants have come through the City’s system since the spring of 2022. According to a recent study carried out by the Chamber, a whopping 70% of shop owners support these asylum-seekers getting the green light to work.
The study also found that businesses remain positive about their revenue for the upcoming year, despite the daunting task of fighting inflation demands.
Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, said that beyond supporting migrants, the city could be doing more to fight these cost increases.
“Optimism remains high among Brooklyn businesses. Thanks to major investments by the Adams administration and Governor [Kathy] Hochul, Brooklyn’s economic outlook continues to improve in 2024,” Peers said in a statement. “There’s still plenty of work to do and that includes providing the newest New Yorkers with access to jobs through work authorizations.”
Business owners within the food, bar, and restaurant sector said combating the rising costs of inventory and delays in product availability is their main priority for the coming year.
Alejandra Palma, owner of Root Hill Cafe in Gowanus, has noticed increased prices have resulted in a dip in customers — so to fight inflation means to fight for their shops to stay afloat.
“We know that the families in our community have to pay for rent, heat, and other necessities and that’s why we try to keep the prices down on our menu,” Palma said. “It’s getting harder every day to deal with inflation.”
The Big Apple has seen an influx of migrants seeking shelter in the city for the past couple of years. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander recently reported that there were approximately 66,200 people seeking asylum in city-funded shelters.
Last fall, Mayor Eric Adams announced a “three-week sprint” to figure out which migrants were eligible to apply for work authorization and expedite their work authorization permits. In some cases, it can take 150 to 200 days before that permission is granted.
