
In early 2023, 95-year-old Korean War veteran Frank Tammaro was compelled to vacate his residence at Island Shores Senior Residence in Staten Island, New York. The facility, owned by the nonprofit Homes for the Homeless, was converted into a migrant shelter, leading to the displacement of Tammaro and approximately 50 other seniors, including at least eight veterans.
Tammaro, who had lived at Island Shores for over four years, received a notice in September 2022 indicating the facility’s impending closure, with a deadline to vacate by March 2023. He described the process as abrupt and lacking transparency, stating, “They gave us time to get out, but they never said when… Then one day there was a notice on the board.”
Following his eviction, Tammaro faced challenges in securing new accommodation. After a brief stay at another senior facility, he suffered a fall and was hospitalized. Subsequently, he moved in with his daughter, Barbara Annunziata, who expressed frustration over the situation, noting the difficulties in obtaining adequate care for her father.
The conversion of Island Shores into a migrant shelter was part of New York City’s broader response to an influx of migrants, with over 130,000 arriving since October 2022. In September 2023, the facility began housing 15 migrant families, a move that sparked protests and led to the arrest of ten individuals.
Local officials, including Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, criticized the decision, calling for transparency regarding the deal between the city and Homes for the Homeless. They highlighted concerns over the treatment of veterans and seniors, questioning the priorities reflected in the displacement.
Tammaro’s experience underscores the complexities and human impact of policy decisions amid a growing migrant crisis. His story has become emblematic of broader debates surrounding immigration, resource allocation, and the treatment of veterans and the elderly in the United States.
Trump’s Immigration Initiatives: A Shift in Policy
In response to the challenges posed by illegal immigration, President Donald Trump has introduced several initiatives aimed at strengthening border security and enforcing immigration laws.
1. “Alligator Alcatraz” Detention Center
One of the most notable measures is the establishment of a new immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, informally dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida, this facility is designed to detain up to 5,000 migrants. The remote location, surrounded by swampland and wildlife, is intended to enhance security and deter escape attempts.
2. “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”
President Trump has also introduced the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a comprehensive tax and spending bill that allocates $170 billion for immigration enforcement. Key provisions include funding for thousands of immigration enforcement officers, expansion of detention facilities, and significant border wall construction. The bill aims to make U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the most heavily funded law enforcement agency in the federal government.
3. Ending Birthright Citizenship
In a move to address concerns over illegal immigration, President Trump has signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants. This policy challenges the longstanding interpretation of the 14th Amendment and is expected to face legal challenges.
4. Reviving the “Remain in Mexico” Policy
The administration has reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols. This policy requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their U.S. immigration cases are processed, aiming to deter fraudulent asylum claims and reduce the burden on U.S. immigration courts.
These initiatives reflect a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, emphasizing enforcement and deterrence. Supporters argue that such measures are necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect national security, while critics raise concerns about human rights and the potential impact on vulnerable populations.