Nusantara: A New Capital City in the Forest – nasa.gov

Since the summer of 2022, the jungles of eastern Borneo have undergone rapid change. Roads have been carved into the landscape and buildings erected near Balikpapan Bay in Eastern Kalimantan, as Indonesia builds a new capital city.

According to government officials, development of the new capital on the island of Borneo was motivated in large part by the myriad of environmental challenges faced by Jakarta, Indonesias current capital. The citys metropolitan area is home to 30 million people and has expanded considerably in recent decades. Frequent flooding, heavy traffic, hazardous air pollution, and drinking water shortages are common occurrences. Jakarta is also quickly sinking. Excessive groundwater withdrawals have contributed to subsidence rates of up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) per year, and 40 percent of the city is now below sea level.

In 2019, Indonesias president announced that the administrative center of the country would be moving from the populous island of Java to the sparsely populated island of Borneo. Construction on the new capital city, called Nusantaraan old Javanese term meaning outer islands or archipelagobegan in July 2022 in an area of forests and oil palm plantations 30 kilometers (19 miles) inland from the Makassar Strait.

The images above show the site of Nusantara in April 2022 (left) and in February 2024 (right). They were captured by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9 and the OLI on Landsat 8, respectively. In the 2024 image, soil has been exposed for a network of roads carved into the forest. The initial stage of development involves constructing government facilities and other buildings for the expected initial population of 500,000 people, according to the project website.

Project plans stipulate that it will be a green, walkable metropolis, powered with renewable energy, with 75 percent of the city remaining forested. But some researchers worry this land use change could harm the forests and wildlife in the region. The stretch of land and coastal waters being developed are rich in biodiversity and home to mangroves, proboscis monkeys, and Irrawaddy dolphins.

Although the site has changed substantially over the past year and a half, the city is far from being finished. Construction is planned to be completed by 2045.

NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Emily Cassidy.

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Nusantara: A New Capital City in the Forest - nasa.gov

Ascent Solar Technologies’ Solar Modules to Be Deployed on NASA’s Upcoming LISA-T Mission – SolarQuarter

Ascent Solar Technologies, a pioneering U.S. firm specializing in featherweight, flexible, and robust CIGS thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solutions, has announced that its solar module products will be part of NASAs upcoming Lightweight Integrated Solar Array and AnTenna (LISA-T) mission, set to launch this summer. This mission, spearheaded by NASAs Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, aims to showcase the deployment of large-area arrays on lightweight, cost-effective, and small spacecraft.

LISA-T constitutes the fourth mission in NASAs Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator (PTD) series, which assesses novel capabilities of small spacecraft in orbit. Managed by NASAs Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, these demonstration missions facilitate the integration of new technologies into future science and exploration missions. The solar arrays of LISA-T (PTD-4) boast lower mass and stowed volume while producing three times more power compared to alternative PV solutions within the system envelope. Additionally, PTD-4s deployable solar arrays are designed to scale larger than the missions CubeSat form factor, offering options capable of generating kilowatts of power for small spacecraft.

Paul Warley, CEO of Ascent Solar Technologies, expressed pride in the companys selection for the upcoming space mission, attributing it to years of collaboration with NASA to optimize PV modules that align with LISA-Ts ambitious spacecraft mass and power requirements. He emphasized the significance of public-private partnerships in advancing innovative technologies, noting how programs like MISSE and PTD pave the way for more capable spacecraft for both government and commercial space missions. The modules developed for LISA-T have also influenced the design of Ascents Titan line of space products, enabling further enhancement of power generation capabilities in the space environment.

Leading up to the spacecraft demonstration, Ascents PV products underwent evaluations on the International Space Station, with modules tested on NASAs MISSE-X experiment affirming the resilience of the companys CIGS material in space conditions. Furthermore, additional Ascent modules featuring lower-cost and lighter-weight laminates are undergoing assessment on the upcoming MISSE payload slated to fly on SpaceXs 30th Commercial Resupply Mission to the space station in March.

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Ascent Solar Technologies' Solar Modules to Be Deployed on NASA's Upcoming LISA-T Mission - SolarQuarter

Russian Foreign Ministry dismisses Bild claims that Russia is preparing for war with NATO – Yahoo News

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova characterized a recent article in German newspaper Bild as last year's horoscope for Pisces in Cancer, in a Telegram post on Jan. 15.

The article alleges that Bild obtained a secret document from the German military that details how a conflict between Russia and NATO might arise, with events unfolding month by month. The culmination involves deployment of hundreds of thousands of NATO soldiers and the start of war in the summer of 2025.

No aspect of this alleged document has been confirmed by either official or independent sources.

Read also:

KSF experts assess Ukraine's EU and NATO prospects in 2024

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Russian Foreign Ministry dismisses Bild claims that Russia is preparing for war with NATO - Yahoo News

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR STAR OF THE SEAS: ROYAL CARIBBEAN OPENS NEXT ICONIC VACATION – Royal Caribbean Press Center

The Latest in the Lineup of the Worlds Best Vacations Debuts August 2025 in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida

MIAMI, Dec. 5, 2023 Its opening day for the next bold combination of every vacation. Royal Caribbean International revealed the first look at the latest in the best-selling Icon Class, Star of the Seas, and the vacations in store for every type of family and adventurer. Starting August 2025, vacationers can get away in a new way from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, with 7-night vacations to the Caribbean and the cruise lines top-rated private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas. Stars debut lineup is now open on Royal Caribbeans website, and Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members have special access to book today in advance of the official opening on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Adventurers can island hop in style on the next iconic vacation while in the eastern or western Caribbean destinations and The Bahamas. The newly opened vacations feature idyllic locales like Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roatan, Honduras; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Plus, on every getaway, vacationers can look forward to kicking back or going all out at Perfect Day at CocoCay. The cruise lines one-of-a-kind private island destination features everything from 13 waterslides to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean and The Bahamas, and the islands first adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach (opening January 2024), with a private beach, pools and spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas, live music and more.

On the heels of welcoming Icon of the Seas to the family two months before its January 2024 debut, Royal Caribbean is following up the historic response to the first in the Icon Class lineup by introducing the revolutionary combination of experiences to Port Canaveral (Orlando) for the first time. Star will feature the best of every vacation, from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure, across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves, including Thrill Island, Chill Island, AquaDome, the tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night; and the open-air Central Park. Between more than40 ways to dine and drink,cutting-edge entertainmentacross the cruise lines four signature stages air, ice, water and theater and a lineup of activities for adults, kids, teens and the whole family, everyone can make memories their way every day without compromise.

The Icon Class highlights coming to Star include the adrenaline-pumping thrills like Category 6 waterparks six record-breaking waterslides and Crown's Edge part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride as well as the unrivaled ways to chill across seven pools for every vibe and mood, including swim-up bar Swim & Tonic; Cloud 17, the adults-only retreat; and The Hideaways one-of-a-kind infinity pool suspended 135 feet above the ocean. And while families can spend time together and on their own adventures throughout Star, they can stay and play all day at Surfside. The neighborhood designed for young families features ways to splash for all ages, dedicated restaurants and even a bar The Lemon Post with a menu for the grownups and one for the kids. New experiences will also make their way to the latest in the worlds best family vacation lineup, which will be revealed at a later date.

With Star making its debut in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Royal Caribbean is doubling down on the revolutionary combination of every vacation that was first introduced on Icon and which continues to create unprecedented consumer demand. The two worlds best vacations in two of the worlds top travel destinations, Icon in Miami and Star in the greater Orlando area, will introduce an unparalleled lineup that mark the next bold moment in the new era of vacations and for Royal Caribbean.

Vacationers can explore all that has been revealed about Star to date on Royal Caribbeans website here.

About Royal Caribbean InternationalRoyal Caribbean International, owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel that features the latest technology and guest experiences for todays adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbeans private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted Best Cruise Line Overall for 20 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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December 2023 Debuting August 2025 in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Royal Caribbean Internationals Star of the Seas is the next bold combination of every vacation from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure. Stars all-encompassing Icon Class lineup has experiences in store for every type of family and adventurer to make memories their way every day, without compromise.

December 2023 Debuting August 2025 in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Royal Caribbean Internationals Star of the Seas is the next bold combination of every vacation from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure. Stars all-encompassing Icon Class lineup has experiences in store for every type of family and adventurer to make memories their way every day, without compromise.

December 2023 Debuting August 2025 in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Royal Caribbean Internationals Star of the Seas is the next bold combination of every vacation from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure. Stars all-encompassing Icon Class lineup has experiences in store for every type of family and adventurer on 7-night vacations to the Caribbean and the cruise lines top-rated private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas.

October 2023 The next revolutionary combination of the best of every vacation is on the horizon. Royal Caribbean International will follow up the introduction of Icon of the Seas with the next Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, in the summer of 2025.

December 2023 Royal Caribbean Internationals Icon and Star of the Seas, setting sail January 2024 and August 2025 respectively, mark a new era of vacations, with an unparalleled combination of the best of every vacation. From the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure, each vacations all-encompassing lineup has experiences for every type of family and adventurer to make memories without compromise.

December 2023 On Icon and Star of the Seas, adventurers are in for the ultimate thrill at the largest waterpark at sea, Category 6, in the new Thrill Island neighborhood. The six record-breaking slides reach new heights: Pressure Drop, the industry's first open free-fall slide; Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft slides with four riders per raft; and Storm Chasers, cruising's first mat-racing duo.

December 2023 On Iconand Star of the Seas, adventurers are in for the ultimate thrill at the largest waterpark at sea, Category 6, in the new Thrill Island neighborhood. The six record-breaking slides reach new heights, like Storm Surge, the first family raft slides with four riders per raft.

December 2023 Living life on the edge takes on a new meaning with Crown's Edge in the new Thrill Island on Icon and Star of the Seas. Part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride, the adrenaline-pumping experience culminates in a surprising moment that will see vacationers swing 154 feet above the ocean.

December 2023 Chill Island's Swim & Tonic on Royal Caribbean's Icon and Star of the Seas is the vibrant swim-up bar where vacationers can have a sip and vibe to the DJ as they take a dip or kick back at the in-water loungers and tables.

December 2023 In the new Chill Island on Icon and Star of the Seas, there's a pool for every mood and each with prime ocean views. Of the seven pools, the four in this three-deck slice of paradise include Royal Caribbean's first swim-up bar at sea, Swim & Tonic; Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea; and the adults-only retreat, Cloud 17.

December 2023 Vacationers looking for laidback vibes can head to Chill Island's serene, infinity-edge Cove Pool on Icon and Star of the Seas. With in-water loungers and more ways to chill, it's all about the endless blue skies and ocean views and making memories.

December 2023 Cloud 17 in the Chill Island neighborhood on Icon and Star of the Seas is an adults-only retreat, complete with endless ocean views and a dedicated bar, the signature Lime & Coconut.

December 2023 Tucked away on Icon and Star of the Seas, The Hideaway neighborhood combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world and uninterrupted ocean views. At the center of it all is the first suspended infinity pool at sea, surrounded by a multilevel terrace, whirlpools, a dedicated bar and a DJ.

December 2023 Perched at the top of Icon and Star of the Seas is the new AquaDome, a tranquil oasis by day and a vibrant hot spot by night. The transformational neighborhood is where guests can enjoy wraparound ocean views, a 55-foot-tall water curtain, restaurants, bars and the cruise line's marquee aqua shows at the next-level AquaTheater.

December 2023 In the reimagined Royal Promenade neighborhood on Icon and Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's largest and boldest ice arena, Absolute Zero. Every seat is the best seat in the house to watch cutting-edge technology and Olympic-level ice skaters merge to bring showstopping entertainment to life.

December 2023 The lineup of Sunset Suites on Icon and Star of the Seas is a new take on broadening horizons. Vacationers can enjoy every day's hues from inside or out while on their bed that faces the ocean and from their expansive balcony, including a wraparound balcony in the Sunset Corner Suite.

December 2023 In the Infinite Grand Suites on Icon andStar of the Seas,vacationers can unwind at their home away from home with stunning views from a living area that transforms into an extended open-air escape at the push of a button.

December 2023 The Panoramic Ocean View suites and rooms on Icon and Star of the Seas are among the best seats in the house. Vacationers can unwind at their home away from home with stunning perspectives of the sea, sky and destinations, thanks to wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows.

December 2023 The Family Infinite Balconies on Icon and Star of the Seas welcomes families of up to six to make memories together and find me time all the same. The spacious room features a separate bunk alcove for kids, a split bathroom design and an infinite balcony a living space that transforms into an extended open-air escape at the push of a button.

December 2023 Vacationers can leave compromise at the door in the Surfside Family Suites on Icon and Star of the Seas. Nestled in the Surfside family neighborhood, the rooms welcome a family of up to four guests. There's a cozy kids alcove, which transforms into a living space for all, along with a private balcony and Royal Suite Class perks.

December 2023 The Family Infinite Balconies on Icon and Star of the Seas invite families of up to six to make memories together and find me time all the same. The spacious room features a separate bunk alcove for kids, decked out with TVs, beds and space to hang out, a split bathroom design and an infinite balcony that turns into an open-air scape at the push of a button.

December 2023 Icon and Star of the Seas will feature the new Ultimate Family Townhouse. Spanning three levels, the perfect home away from home for families features an in-suite slide, a cinema space, karaoke, two balconies, a private entrance to the ultimate family neighborhood, Surfside, and more.

December 2023 Icon and Star of the Seas will debut the first Ultimate Family Townhouse. Spanning three levels, the perfect home away from home for families includes an in-suite slide, a cinema space, karaoke, a spacious balcony, a private patio and entrance to the ultimate family neighborhood, Surfside.

December 2023 Icon and Star of the Seas will debut the first Ultimate Family Townhouse. Spanning three levels, the perfect home away from home for families includes an in-suite slide, a cinema space, karaoke, a spacious balcony, a private patio and entrance to the ultimate family neighborhood, Surfside.

December 2023 Icon and Star of the Seas will debut the first Ultimate Family Townhouse. Spanning three levels, the perfect home away from home for families includes an in-suite slide, a cinema space, karaoke, a spacious balcony, a private patio and entrance to the ultimate family neighborhood, Surfside.

December 2023 The two-level Royal Loft Suite on board Icon and Star of the Seas is the ultimate in luxury. With more than 2,000 square feet, up to six vacationers can make kick back with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area, a wraparound balcony with a whirlpool, a dining area and expansive ocean views.

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'TIS THE SEASON FOR STAR OF THE SEAS: ROYAL CARIBBEAN OPENS NEXT ICONIC VACATION - Royal Caribbean Press Center

When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean? – Cruise Hive

Caribbean cruises can be booked throughout the entire calendar year, but the best time to visit is from December to April. If youre looking for the best deals, book a cruise between May and November.

This time frame overlaps hurricane season for a few weeks, but if youre willing to take the risk, you can find significantly more affordable prices for cruises, tours, and on-shore excursions.

Lets take a closer look at everything you need to know to book your Caribbean cruise at the time thats best for you.

To understand the best time to enjoy a cruise in the Caribbean, you first need to know how the seasons in the region work. Essentially, this tropical climate experiences two noticeably different seasons the dry season and the wet season. As you may have guessed, these two seasons revolve around the amount of precipitation the region experiences during different times of the year.

Given the unpredictability of Caribbean weather, the dry season does not have a specific start and finish date, but it generally runs from early November until late April. During this stretch, temperatures tend to be relatively mild, while precipitation is at an annual minimum.

During the first half of the dry season, you can expect daily average temperatures to range somewhere between 70 F and 80 F. This means you can enjoy pleasantly warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine without risking the sweltering intensity of the summer heat.

During the back end of the dry season, meaning January until the end of April, average temperatures rise by a few degrees, but the skies usually remain clear.

When the dry season ends in late April, the wet season begins. May tends to be the informal beginning of the wet season, so temperatures increase alongside humidity levels.

The temperatures vary between the Southern Caribbean Islands, like St Lucia and St Vincent, and those in the Western Caribbean closer to the continental United States, like the Cayman Islands, St Maarten, or Jamaica, but you can expect the average daytime temperature to be around 91 F. As the name suggests, precipitation increases throughout the wet season, but showers are brief and sporadic during the first few months.

Once you reach July, you are at the very peak of the Caribbeans wet season, which means you can expect high temperatures, plenty of rain, and humidity levels that can be uncomfortable. During these mid to late summer months, the Caribbean is also at the greatest risk of experiencing tropical storms, multi-day rainfalls, and even hurricanes.

Given how the wet and dry seasons pan out, you are always better off booking your Caribbean cruise vacation during the calendars shoulder seasons, meaning late fall and early spring.

Read Also: When is the Best Time to Visit US Virgin Islands?

More specifically, you will want to favor the months of November and April when booking your trip. If you want to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms, we recommend April over November, but remember that November can be a pleasant time to enjoy a cruise in the region.

As you can tell from our breakdown of the wet and dry seasons, conditions tend to be at their most pleasant and calm right before the start of the wet season and shortly after it has concluded.

This gives you that perfect blend of warm and sunny weather while minimizing your risk of rainfall and severe storms. Nighttime temperatures are also pleasant during these months, rather than muggy and humid.

While there is always the risk of the occasional light rain shower when you are in the Caribbean, they tend to be fairly minimal during the late fall and early spring.

Beyond ensuring that you have a high chance of enjoying pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, the shoulder seasons are also an excellent time to book your vacation because of the calmer sea conditions.

Even though modern cruise ships are all designed for stability and passenger comfort, it is always more pleasant to be a passenger when traveling through calm seas.

Not only does it minimize seasickness and that unpleasant rocking motion some passengers find irritating, but the Caribbean Sea and its numerous coastlines are most beautiful when the turquoise water is perfectly still.

The Caribbean Sea is usually relatively calm during late fall and early spring. As you can imagine, this helps ensure all passengers enjoy a smoother, more relaxing cruising experience.

While it is possible to enjoy a pleasant cruising experience in the Caribbean throughout the year, it is generally understood that cruising during a summer month is the riskiest.

When you book a cruise that sets sail between August and September, you almost guarantee that you will travel during the peak of the wet season. This is also when the CCaribbeanshurricane season is in full swing.

Temperatures can be warm and enjoyable, but many people find that the humidity can be unpleasant. Rain is also more frequent, which can makeexcursions and exploring portsof call far less enjoyable.

If you choose to travel during peak hurricane season, there is also the risk that a hurricane or serious tropical storm will disrupt your cruise vacation.

This can mean your itinerary can be disrupted, or the cruise line will be forced to cancel the voyage entirely. Whilethis outcome is fairly unlikely, it can be a concern for those who cannot delay their trip due to work commitments.

This is one of the reasons why Caribbean cruises during the summer tend to be relatively affordable. Not only is there a higher risk of rainfall and high humidity levels, but you also risk trip disruptions due to storms and hurricanes. With that said, due to the lack of demand, fewer Caribbean cruises set sail during this time of year, which can increase costs and level them out.

While it may surprise you, some of themost affordable monthsof the year to cruise the Caribbean are some of the most pleasant months to travel in the region.

Tickets for cruises that set sail between January and March are usually among the most affordable. This is because these months and those between them are when demand is high enough to warrant an increased number of cruise voyages, but they miss the most pleasant months of November and April.

In other words, plenty of cruise lines offer Caribbean voyages during this period, but demand is lower than during the peak travel months. This increases the chances of scoring anamazing Caribbean cruise deal.

If you want tokeep costs to a minimum, it is also worth noting that you should try to avoid booking your trip for days that land near major holidays, like the week between Christmas and New Years Eve. This is because demand increases, which usually translates to higher prices for cruise ship tickets. March break should also be avoided, as many families with children try to book during this week.

Most experienced Caribbean cruisers will tell you to avoid the middle of the wet season. We tend to agree with this advice, as it helps you avoid the most unpleasant Caribbean weather.

Regarding our top picks, we almost always point towards November and April, as they provide the least precipitation, the calmest waters, and plenty of sunshine. These are also some of the most expensive months to travel, so you may want to pick some other time during the dry season.

Ultimately, thebest time to cruisethe Caribbean depends on your personal budget and preferences. If you hope to enjoy a cruise during a less ideal month to celebrate a particular occasion or life event, book your trip and enjoy yourself!

While it is true that certain months are better than others when it comes to reducing your risk of rain storms and unpleasant temperatures, the Caribbean Sea is a year-round cruising destination. As long as you have realistic weather expectations and areprepared for your trip, you will enjoy yourself!

In other words, dont get bogged down in the details! Book when it makes the most sense for you and your loved ones.

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When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean? - Cruise Hive

‘Cities for Action’ to address Caribbean asylum seeker crisis Caribbean Life – Caribbean Life

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With the unrelenting influx of Caribbean and other migrants crossing the southern border of the United States and travelling to major cities, such as New York City and Chicago, Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro on Monday disclosed that the city will host the Eighth Annual Cities for Action.

Officials say many of the immigrants arriving in New York City from the southern border are nationals from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti and Guatemala.

Adams told a press conference that representatives from over 20 cities are expected to participate in the two-day event.

Since the founding of Cities for Action in 2014, immigration issues have only become more urgent. And, in the 20 months since we began managing a national asylum seeker crisis almost entirely on our own, cities have been the ones to step up and lead the way, the mayor said.

As we continue to tackle the current humanitarian crisis, New York City is proud to host this convening of municipal leaders who are working on the frontlines and advocating for the federal government to finish the job they started by providing more financial and logistical support to cities across the country, he added.

As a city of immigrants, we look forward to continuing the work with our municipal partners to advance compassionate solutions on-the-ground and immigrant-inclusive policies nationwide, Adams continued.

Castro said he looked forward to strategizing with other municipal leaders.

Its incredibly powerful to have so many city offices of immigrant affairs from across the nation come together in New York City this week, he said.

In a time where cities are leading the way in responding to the asylum seeker humanitarian crisis, it is timely we are coming together to strategize and advocate together on behalf of our cities and our immigrant communities, he added.

Adams said 23 jurisdictions from across the nation will participate in the event. They include: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and Santa Clara Counties, CA; Aurora and Denver, CO; Miami-Dade County, FL; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Louisville, KY; Boston and Somerville, MA; Baltimore City and Baltimore County, MD; Saint Paul, MN; Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA; Austin, Houston, and El Paso County, TX; and Seattle, WA.

The mayor said more than 140,000 migrants and asylum seekers have converged on New York City, seeking shelter, since the crisis started.

He said his administration has adopted fast and urgent action in addressing the humanitarian crisis, with smaller-than-expected aid from the federal government.

Meantime, as Republicans in the US Senate continue attempts to block aid for Caribbean and other migrant and asylum seekers, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is appealing to lawmakers in the nations capital to support critical asylum protections and push back against the Republicans radical agenda.

Recently, US immigration authorities reported an influx of Chinese migrants crossing the border in attempting to seek asylum in the US.

NYIC, an umbrella policy and advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York, prides itself in serving one of the largest and most diverse newcomer populations in the United States.

NYICs Executive Director Murad Awawdeh noted on Tuesday that US Senate Republicans, in their weeks-long budget negotiations on President Joe Bidens emergency supplemental funding request to support the war in Ukraine, are unrelenting in attempting to block aid to Caribbean and other migrants and asylum seekers, unless the budget includes extreme changes in immigration policy, including barriers to seeking asylum in the United States, humanitarian parole and enforcing stricter border policies.

As cities across the country continue to welcome newly-arrived asylum seekers, it is crucial that lawmakers in Washington support critical asylum protections and push back against the Republicans radical agenda, including cutting back on humanitarian parole, resuming construction on parts of the southern border wall, reinstating remain in Mexico, as well as the safe third country banall of which would ultimately result in the end of our asylum system, Awawdeh told Caribbean Life.

There is no reason to include increased use of inhumane policies like family separation as part of a foreign budget package, except pure cruelty, he added. Instead, lawmakers must expand effective and humane measures that will alleviate the pressure from the southern border, allow for more secure processing of asylum seekers, and ensure that localities like New York City, which have received thousands of new arrivals, are able to support and integrate them into our communities.

After embarking on a treacherous journey to the United States, immigrant communities deserve to feel protected and thrive in our country to live out their American dream, Awawdeh continued.

In his continuing efforts to manage, as best as he can, the expanding asylum seeker crisis, Adams recently launched the broadening of the Asylum Application Help Center.

With funding from New York State, Adams said he will open two new satellite sites in aiding asylum seekers in submitting applications for asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and work authorization.

Last month, the mayor launched the citys first satellite sites for immigration application assistance in Harlem and Lower Manhattan.

While we continue to call for a national strategy to solve a national crisis, New York City continues to do its part to support asylum seekers, he said. For over a year, we have asked the federal government to put forward a resettlement strategy, expedite work authorizations for asylum seekers, and provide New York City with much needed and meaningful financial support.

In the absence of that national strategy, New York City continues to lead building out the legal and resettlement infrastructure needed to address this crisis, the mayor added. We hope the federal government will join us in these efforts and finish the job they started.

Since its launch this summer, bolstered by aid from state partners, Adams said the citys help center has supported the filing of over 7,200 asylum applications, about 2,900 work authorization applications and nearly 2,900 TPS applications.

He said New York City has also helped Caribbean and other asylum seekers file over 3,100 work authorization applications during two clinics hosted in partnership with the federal government and city-based nonprofits, totaling more than 16,000 asylum, work authorization and TPS applications.

As he continues to prioritize helping asylum seekers live independently, without significant or timely state and federal assistance, Adams said he plans to proceed, in January 2024, with a 20 percent reduction in spending on the migrant crisis in his Fiscal Year 2024 Preliminary Budget.

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'Cities for Action' to address Caribbean asylum seeker crisis Caribbean Life - Caribbean Life