Eric Adams travels to Rome for inspiration on immigration crisis

New York City Mayor Eric Adams traveled to Rome on Friday in order to find inspiration on how to handle his city's migrant crisis, and will be meeting with Pope Francis and Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri to discuss their responses to their own immigration challenges.

New York City, which is a self-described sanctuary city, has received more than 195,000 illegal immigrants from the southern border in the past two years, according to Politico. The number marks the highest outside of actual border cities. 

Adams, who departed New York on Thursday and will return on Monday, met with Gualtieri on Friday, and toured a subway tunnel under construction near the Colosseum. He is also expected to visit migrant housing in the city, and will be participating in the World Meeting on Human Fraternity. 

“What really jumped off at me in my conversations with the mayor is how quick they are able to work," Adams said of Gualtieri. "One of the requirements is that you learn the language of the country, basic Italian. You are allowed to work in a short period of time, anywhere from two months. You are able to really be a part of the society.”

Italy has also seen a major immigration crisis, after more than 100,000 migrants from North Africa reached its shores in 2023, according to Reuters. But the migrants do not always stay in Italy, instead they travel north to other European countries.  

The trip is not unusual for a big city mayor, as they frequently travel internationally for conferences and to meet other important international leaders. The trip is expected to cover a wide range of issues that affect New Yorkers, including the economy and affordable housing.

“[It's] part of an overall finding of common ground, how we are dealing with migrants, asylum seekers, how we deal with affordable housing, our economy, sustainability, just some important issues,” Adams said, per the New York outlet State of Politics.

It is not clear what day the meeting with the pope will take place, but Adams said it will be an important spiritual meeting for him, as well as educational. Adams identifies as a Christian, but not as Catholic. 

“This is my way of showing respect to religion on a whole,” Adams said. “He’s a credible messenger. He’s an influencer. His voice on these topics will cause those who would traditionally ignore the topic to sit up and take note.” 

The pope has previously praised a group of immigrants in Panama in March, and noted that he is also "a child of immigrants." 

The trip comes after Adams appealed to the Biden administration and Congress to help provide aid for the thousands of newcomers who are weighing on the city's resources. One priority has been getting work authorization for the migrants approved faster, so they can make money of their own to pay for resources like food and lodging.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.