New York City will no longer be obligated to shelter migrant adults indefinitely, as a settlement agreement announced on Friday significantly scales back the city’s longstanding right-to-shelter requirement. City officials revealed that adult migrants will now only be permitted to stay in shelters for a maximum of 30 days, with the possibility of an extension under certain conditions such as medical disabilities or extenuating circumstances.

This shift marks a substantial policy change that sets New York apart from other major U.S. cities, as no other city is compelled to ensure housing for every homeless individual who seeks it. The agreement, resulting from a state court case overseen by Justice Gerald Lebovits, brings an end to months of negotiations between city officials and the plaintiffs represented by the Legal Aid Society, who were part of the original consent decree establishing the right-to-shelter requirement.

The revised regulations will come into effect immediately to address the ongoing migrant crisis that has seen over 180,000 migrants pass through the city’s shelter system since the spring of 2022. Younger adult migrants aged 18 to 23 will have up to 60 days in the shelter system before being required to move out, while migrant families with children will not be affected and can stay for up to 60 days with the option to reapply.

Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, hailed the settlement as a major victory after nearly a year of efforts to amend the right-to-shelter requirement. His administration has expanded the number of shelters, repurposed hotels, and set up tent dormitories to accommodate the 65,000 migrants still in the city’s care. Mayor Adams has warned that the financial strain caused by the migrants is burdening the city’s budget, estimating a cost of $10 billion over three years and posing a threat to the city’s stability.

While Mayor Adams does not advocate for the permanent abolition of the right to shelter, he seeks significant modifications to alleviate the city’s responsibility for housing a large influx of migrants. The 1981 consent decree that established the requirement did not anticipate the arrival of migrants without housing, prompting the need for adjustments. The terms of the settlement reflect the difficulties faced by the city in complying with the existing requirements amidst the migrant crisis.

The legal battle over the right-to-shelter started in May, with the mayor seeking legal approval to alter the consent decree to deny shelter to homeless adults and adult families when resources are inadequate. In October, as migrants continued to strain the shelter system, the city administration petitioned a judge to suspend its obligation to provide shelter to single adults during emergencies or influxes.

Mayor Adams highlighted the necessity for flexibility during times of crisis, emphasizing the need to adapt to the changing circumstances. The settlement agreement allows for case-by-case extensions of shelter stays for migrant adults beyond the initial limits, based on individual circumstances and efforts to find alternative housing solutions. Legal Aid Society representatives confirmed this approach, ensuring that each request for an extension would be thoroughly evaluated before a decision is made.

Camille Baker contributed reporting.