Watch NYC Mayor Eric Adams Admit To Hiring “Wetback” Illegal Aliens Because They’re “Excellent Swimmers.”

Written by Michael Bennett.

As New York City braces for the bustling summer season, a surprising shortage of lifeguards has emerged, compelling Mayor Eric Adams to suggest a rather unconventional solution. During a press conference on a sunny Tuesday morning, Adams proposed hiring illegal immigrants as lifeguards, citing their purported excellent swimming skills. This suggestion, made in response to a reporter’s question about the deficit of lifeguards, has sparked a whirlwind of reactions from various quarters.

“Let me just take your imagination for a moment,” Mayor Adams said, painting a picture of a plan where migrants and asylum seekers could fill high-demand jobs swiftly. His rhetorical query, “How do we have a large body of people that are in our city and country that are excellent swimmers, and at the same time we need lifeguards?” left many pondering the implications of such a policy. Despite his strong advocacy, Adams did not present concrete evidence to back his claim about the swimming prowess of these individuals, which has added to the skepticism surrounding his proposal.

Critics argue that this move could be impractical and laden with bureaucratic hurdles. Moreover, the lack of legal pathways for these immigrants to seek employment adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging issue. Adams expressed his frustration over the bureaucratic red tape that hinders these potential lifeguards from contributing their skills where they are desperately needed, encapsulating his thoughts by saying, “That just does not make sense.”

Historical Echoes and Cultural Sensitivities

The mayor’s proposal has not only raised eyebrows for its practical implications but has also stirred a sensitive cultural pot. Some critics on social media suggest that Adams’ remarks might unintentionally perpetuate old and hurtful stereotypes about Hispanic Americans, particularly the notion that many have braved perilous waters to enter the U.S. illegally. This assumption taps into a deep well of historical and cultural sensitivities that are still potent today.

Reflecting on the past, the 1950s saw President Dwight D. Eisenhower launch “Operation Wetback,” a government initiative aimed at deporting illegal immigrants who had crossed the Rio Grande. The operation’s name, derived from the derogatory term “wetback,” was used to describe those who swam or waded the river to enter the U.S. This term, now widely recognized as offensive, conjures a dark chapter in America’s immigration history, making Adams’ comments seem even more charged and controversial.

The juxtaposition of a modern-day mayor suggesting a policy that inadvertently echoes such a derogatory term has not gone unnoticed. It highlights the complex layers of immigration issues in America—where past prejudices and present policies intersect in often unexpected and challenging ways.

Public Response and Future Considerations

Mayor Adams’ proposal has certainly ignited a debate on several fronts. From practicality and legality to cultural sensitivity and historical awareness, the discourse surrounding his suggestion encapsulates a broad spectrum of issues. As NYC heads into the summer with its public pools and beaches poised to welcome throngs of residents and tourists alike, the city faces a conundrum: balancing the urgent need for qualified lifeguards with the imperative of navigating the intricate maze of immigration policies and public perceptions.

Looking forward, it is clear that any move to implement such a policy would require careful consideration of both the legal framework and the broader social implications. Whether or not this proposal will float remains to be seen, but it certainly serves as a reminder of the ongoing and evolving debate over immigration in the United States—a debate that touches on fundamental questions about who gets to contribute to American society and under what conditions.

Our Take

Mayor Eric Adams’ suggestion to hire illegal immigrants as lifeguards due to their supposed swimming skills is a provocative stance that reflects a deeper issue within American politics: the constant balancing act between innovation in policy and respect for legal and cultural norms. While his idea aims to address a practical need, it also inadvertently dredges up historical insensitivities and legal complexities.

In the conservative view, policies should first and foremost respect the law and honor the cultural and historical contexts of our society. Proposals like Adams’ may offer quick fixes to immediate problems but could also lead to longer-term cultural and legal challenges. As we navigate these waters, it’s crucial to weigh the immediate benefits of such policies against their potential to stir division and discord within our communities.

Mayor Adams says illegal aliens could be used to fill New York City’s lifeguard shortage because they are “excellent swimmers.” pic.twitter.com/IXDJNADnPY

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) May 14, 2024