Addressing the Affordable Housing Shortage: Prioritizing U.S. Citizens in Housing Allocation

Addressing the Affordable Housing Shortage: 

Prioritizing U.S. Citizens in Housing Allocation

The shortage of affordable housing in cities like New York has become one of the most pressing issues in recent years. What was once a manageable problem has become a crisis, with waiting times for senior housing in the city escalating from just one year to seven or even ten years. This significant increase in waiting time is largely due to a shift in policy that allows anyone who meets the age and income qualifications, regardless of citizenship status, to apply for public housing. While this may seem fair on the surface, the reality is that a large influx of immigrants has crowded out many American citizens from accessing these essential resources.

A telling example of this situation can be found in the case of senior housing applications in New York City. A decade ago, U.S. citizens applying for senior apartments only had to wait about a year to receive assistance. However, the current system, which permits non-citizens to use, has created a severe bottleneck, with citizens now facing wait times of several years. Many American citizens, particularly veterans, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities, are finding themselves unable to access permanent housing due to an influx of non-citizen applicants who have equal eligibility under the current guidelines. This has become an increasingly unfair situation for those who have contributed to society for decades, paying taxes and building their lives in this country.

The problem is not confined to senior housing alone. In July 2023, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a policy limiting the length of stay for undocumented immigrants in city shelters to 60 days. The goal was to reduce the burden on the shelter system by encouraging immigrants to transition into permanent housing. However, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) criticized this plan, calling it "short-sighted" and advocating for permanent housing solutions for asylum seekers instead of limiting their stay in shelters. Murad Awawdeh, executive director of NYIC, argued that this approach places an unnecessary bureaucratic burden on vulnerable New Yorkers and fails to address the root cause of the housing crisis.

The need for permanent housing should be prioritized for American citizens, particularly those who have served in the military, paid taxes for decades, and have no criminal records. Vulnerable populations, including elderly citizens and people with disabilities, must be given top priority in housing allocation. These groups should not have to compete with non-citizens for scarce resources. The government must ensure that permanent housing resources are allocated to those who have been contributing members of society for years.

On the other hand, temporary housing solutions should be offered to people facing temporary hardships, including many immigrants who are still adjusting to life in the U.S. The focus should be on providing transitional housing for those in temporary distress, not crowding out American citizens needing long-term housing assistance. Many individuals staying in shelters or applying for refugee status could support themselves through work and eventually rent their homes. Their temporary housing needs should not be conflated with those of long-term, low-income American citizens.

The government must implement more stringent eligibility checks for permanent housing applicants to ensure fairness and transparency in housing allocation. First and foremost, applicants should be thoroughly vetted to confirm they meet the low-income criteria. Officials should investigate whether applicants hide foreign retirement funds or investments that could disqualify them. Furthermore, an investigation should be conducted into whether applicants have transferred their property or assets to friends or family members to meet the low-income threshold. Foreign applicants must provide official documentation of their financial assets and income in their home countries. Additionally, the individuals who sponsored their immigration to the U.S. should also undergo scrutiny to ensure that their financial situation aligns with the original economic guarantees made during the immigration process.

Strengthening legislative oversight of housing distribution is the most effective way to prevent fraud and corruption. By tightening eligibility requirements, the government can ensure that housing is allocated to those who truly need it—those who have spent years contributing to the nation's well-being and genuinely need assistance.

The affordable housing crisis is a multifaceted problem that requires thoughtful and equitable solutions. While compassion for those seeking refuge in the U.S. is important, it is equally important to prioritize the needs of U.S. citizens who have long been overlooked. Housing policies must be designed to ensure that American citizens are not left behind in the race for affordable housing. Ensuring fairness in housing allocation will help create a more just and sustainable future for all New Yorkers.

Jack George

12/25/2024