NYC Mosques Struggle to Accommodate and Support Growing Number of Muslim Migrants During Ramadan | Global News

Mosques in NYC Struggle to House and Feed an Influx of Muslim Migrants this Ramadan

In New York City, mosques are facing a significant challenge as they struggle to house and feed a growing number of Muslim migrants during the holy month of Ramadan. With an increasing number of asylum seekers coming from Muslim-majority African countries, Islamic institutions in the Big Apple are finding it difficult to keep up with the needs of the city’s migrant population.

Many mosques have opened their doors to migrants during the daylight hours, providing a place for new arrivals to rest and recover after nights spent sleeping on the streets or in the subway. Muslim leaders have been appealing for donations of money, food, clothing, and other supplies to support these migrants.

Imam Omar Niass, who runs a mosque in the Bronx, has turned his two-story brick residence into a makeshift overnight shelter for migrants, despite facing financial challenges. He estimates he is behind on utility bills, but he continues to provide a place for newly arrived migrants to stay.

The latest migrant surge has seen over 185,000 asylum seekers arrive in New York City, with Africans from countries like Senegal, Guinea, and Mauritania among the top nationalities represented in new cases in federal immigration courts in the state. The city’s estimated 275 mosques have been among the first places migrants visit upon arrival, seeking assistance and support.

While faith-based communities have been generous in providing shelter and support, there are concerns about the sustainability of relying solely on their resources. Mayor Eric Adams announced a program to provide funding and support for mosques, churches, and synagogues that offer overnight shelter to migrants, but only a few have been approved so far.

Despite the challenges, migrants like Malick Thiam and Alphabacar Diallo are grateful for the support they have received from mosques in the city. As they wait for work authorization and strive to build a new life in the United States, these migrants find comfort and sustenance in the faith and hospitality of the mosques that have welcomed them.