Understanding the Potential Consequences: Former Handyman’s Perspective on Migrants and Housing Laws
In recent years, the United States has seen a significant influx of migrants crossing its borders, raising concerns about its impact on housing and squatters’ rights. Flash Shelton, the founder of the United Handyman Association and SquatterHunters.com, is sounding the alarm on what he believes could become a squatting crisis that is “beyond control.”
Shelton raises valid concerns about the consequences of migrants entering the country without financial means to rent housing traditionally. Many states have lenient laws when it comes to squatters, allowing non-paying individuals to occupy properties for extended periods. This creates a problem for homeowners who are unable to reclaim their properties due to complex laws barring the police from taking immediate action. Homeowners are left with limited options, often resorting to pursuing lengthy civil cases.
The issue becomes compounded when considering the sheer number of migrants entering the country. Since the start of 2021, nearly 7.3 million migrants have crossed into the U.S. illegally, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Texas alone has sent over 100,000 migrants to major cities in other states, with many ending up in New York City and Chicago. The financial burden of housing these migrants is staggering. New York City spent $1.45 billion in fiscal 2023 on migrant costs and expects to spend a combined $9.1 billion housing migrants in 2024 and 2025.
Shelton warns that if laws don’t change, the squatting crisis will spiral out of control. He questions what will stop migrants from using squatting loopholes to their advantage, residing in vacant homes rent-free for months on end. With resources already stretched thin to address the homelessness crisis among Americans, the additional strain caused by the influx of migrants seeking refuge exacerbates the problem.
Shelton’s concerns are not unfounded, as he himself has experienced the challenges and frustrations of dealing with squatters. In 2019, two women took over his mother’s home that was up for sale. Despite seeking assistance from local law enforcement, Shelton was left to navigate the intricacies of squatters’ rights laws. Eventually, he managed to remove the squatters by signing a lease agreement with his mother designating him as the legal resident of the property. Today, he uses his experience to provide squatter removal services to others.
The former handyman emphasizes the urgent need for action from politicians and lawmakers to address this issue. Shelton believes that if changes are not made soon, the situation will only worsen. He fears a “nightmare scenario” where squatting becomes unmanageable and the negative consequences for both homeowners and migrants alike become insurmountable.
While opinions may differ politically or morally on the larger issue of migration, Shelton urges individuals to consider the scale of the problem. The potential consequences of inaction are vast, affecting not only those directly involved but also the communities and cities grappling with the fallout.
With no clear end in sight, the concerns raised by Shelton and echoed by New York City Mayor Eric Adams highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reform. The United States must find a balance between compassion for those seeking refuge and protecting homeowners’ rights. Failure to address this issue promptly could have far-reaching implications that extend beyond the realm of housing and squatters’ rights, potentially destabilizing communities and straining resources to their breaking point.
As the debate over immigration and housing laws continues, it is crucial to listen to voices like Shelton’s, who bring a unique perspective based on real-life experiences. Only by understanding and addressing the potential consequences can we hope to find sustainable solutions that benefit all parties involved.
