I am glad to welcome new immigrants into our town, and my thanks to Crossroads hotel for giving them a dignified place to stay. Although New York City is reimbursing Crossroads for their expenses, the facility must still deal with hostile and suspicious attitudes from some in our community.

Today I remember and honor my mother. And by welcoming our newcomers at Crossroads, I am remembering and honoring my own grandparents, who also were immigrants. They scraped and struggled to seek asylum in America from terrible conditions in their native countries.

The migrants at Crossroads hotel have also struggled and faced danger to seek asylum in America. They show courage.

Now they must adapt to a new culture and language. I wish them strength and success.