African 'newcomers' tell New York City Council they don't like the free food or shelter they've been given, demand better

During a Tuesday city council meeting in New York City, African migrants complained about the food they were given and having to leave the city accommodations after a set period.

One woman, speaking through an interpreter, told the Committees on Immigration and Hospitals that her children "cannot eat the food at the shelter."

She added that during Ramadan, a period where observers can't eat until sundown, "we couldn’t eat because when you come back for the breaks the food is no good at all."

"And they give us two months to stay at the shelter and then you have to go out again with your luggage and your kids and find another place. It’s very difficult."

She also complained that her older child, 18 or 19 years of age, doesn’t have schooling.

The Tuesday morning meeting featured a segment titled "The Experiences of Black Migrants in New York City." Over 1,000 people gathered at City Hall, the majority of which were single men from Africa. Only 250 people were let inside the building for the hearing.

The large group was reportedly drawn to City Hall by an activist group. Dozens said they had been told by others in the community that if they showed up, they could get work visas or green cards.