New York City Mayor Eric Adams has attributed the recent increase in prostitution in the Corona neighborhood of Queens to an influx of female Venezuelan migrants who are struggling to find alternative employment opportunities.
https://nypost.com/2023/07/29/nyc-neighborhood-overrun-by-broad-daylight-brothels/
The mayor made these remarks on Tuesday, highlighting how this issue is just one example of the broader challenges the city is facing due to the ongoing national migrant crisis. The situation in Corona raises questions about whether these Venezuelan migrants are engaged in adult work voluntarily or if they are being coerced or trafficked.
Mayor Adams emphasized the need to address what he thinks the root causes of this problem are, stating, “This is what happens when you create an atmosphere where people can’t provide for themselves — you can’t work, you can’t provide for your job and have to turn to illegal activities to do so.”
He further elaborated on the broader implications of the migrant crisis, expressing concerns about the potential for long-term generational problems stemming from the government’s failure to fully address the issue.
Mayor Adams also mentioned that a similar red-light district has emerged in Brooklyn, where prostitution activities are increasingly visible even during daylight hours. He criticized city officials who advocate for the legalization of prostitution, asserting that this approach clashes with the realities of the situation.
“There are real issues around illegal [s*x] work, from concerns about [s*xually] transmitted diseases to trafficking, the involvement of young individuals in these activities, and instances of violence,” Mayor Adams emphasized.
He expressed frustration with city lawmakers pushing for legalization, expressing how people don’t understand how that hinders progress. Instead, Mayor Adams called for a collaborative effort to target the buyers (referred to as “johns”) and provide assistance to adult industry workers to ensure they are not forced into this activity while abiding by the law.
Despite these legal consequences, Venezuelan migrants continue to solicit clients on Roosevelt Avenue in Corona, an issue previously exposed by The New York Post, which dubbed the area the “Market of Sweethearts.”
For residents and community members, the presence of this issue has been a source of concern and frustration, as it contrasts with their expectations for a safe and vibrant neighborhood. They hope for comprehensive solutions to address the underlying challenges and restore their community to a more familiar and welcoming environment.
