Just two blocks away from Port Authority, the Row Hotel in Midtown will soon serve 200 asylum seekers with children. Paul Kreppel and Murphy Cross have lived across the street from the Row for 15 years. They say immigrants are what make this city great.

“They didn’t choose to be here in Times Square and I welcome them," said Kreppel. "These are people who need some place to be and they’re usually leaving because of political or economic reasons.”

What You Need To Know

  • Since April, an estimated 18,600 asylum seekers have been sent from the US-Mexico border to the city

  • Migrants have been bused from Texas to Port Authority in Manhattan

  • The relief center will provide families with shelter, food, medical care and case work services

Since April, an estimated 18,600 asylum seekers have been sent from the US-Mexico border to the city. It’s a contentious decision by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that some Texans say is unfair to migrants.

“I understand his thought process but I hate the way he did it," said Cheryl Jones who is visiting the city from San Antonio.

Last week, Mayor Adams declared a state of emergency, saying the city's shelter system is at its breaking point. He's asking for state and federal funding to help house migrants, which he says will cost the city $1 billion.

“You’re fooling them trying to get them to come up here," said Maribeth Echols, another Texan visiting New York. "If they told them the truth and then gave them the option, I think it’s fine. But immigrants come here because they’re looking for a better life.”

The Row Hotel will become the second humanitarian emergency response and relief center in the city. The other location is on Randalls Island, which is geared towards serving adults. Both are expected to open this month.

“We’re still recovering in many ways but we also live with all kinds of people here," said Kreppel. "These are not strangers to us. Those are the people that are drawn to New York and we must welcome them with open arms.”

The relief center will provide families with shelter, food, medical care and case work services. The Row Hotel will also expand to serve additional families in the coming weeks.