When Gary Moretti and Deanna Mifsud envisioned their impending nuptials, they imagined an idyllic wedding, surrounded by their loved ones in the serene setting of Lippincott Manor in Newburgh, New York. Little did they know, their perfectly planned June 24 event would be thrown into disarray by Biden ‘s crisis at the southern border.
The couple’s dream was to welcome an estimated 160 family and friends from across the nation to celebrate their union. A significant part of this plan was a block of 30 rooms they had reserved at The Crossroads Hotel, conveniently located near their wedding venue.
However, an unexpected twist occurred when their room reservations were abruptly cancelled to accommodate migrants being relocated from New York City, under the directive of Mayor Eric Adams.
The shock came as an unwelcome surprise. “We woke up the other morning and got a phone call from my sister…to check out the news,” Moretti shared with “Jesse Watters Primetime“.
Related: Outrage as New York Hotels Evict Struggling Homeless Veterans to Make Room for Illegal Immigrants
The couple had received no prior communication from the hotel regarding any cancellations. He continued, “I call them up and … I asked them about the migrants going in there, is it going to be safe for my guests and ourselves to be there. They said, ‘No, you have nothing to worry about’ and in my heart I’m thinking, ‘OK, cool.’ They’re like… ‘Your contract has been cancelled.'”
This sudden upheaval in the couple’s wedding plans comes as The Crossroads Hotel was selected to house migrants being transferred from New York City to various hotels in the Westchester and Hudson Valley regions. The couple’s plight highlights a broader issue of municipal decision-making impacting individuals and local businesses.
In response to their predicament, the hotel management reportedly told Moretti and Mifsud that they were helpless to alter the situation, describing the scenario within the premises as a “complete madhouse”.
The couple were advised to reach out to Choice Management, the company in charge of the hotel’s operations, but their efforts have thus far been unsuccessful. This has led to a desperate scramble to secure alternate lodging for their guests, with the wedding date swiftly approaching.
Related: Chicago Residents Revolt at City Meeting After Learning How Many Migrants Are Coming to Stay
Mifsud shed light on the additional challenges they face, owing to a coincidental event. “It’s also the air show weekend,” she said, “So, everything is completely sold out.”
The hotels that are still available are quoting exorbitant rates of $300 to $400 per night, causing further strain on the couple’s wedding budget.
Despite this unfortunate situation, the couple commended their wedding venue, Lippincott Manor, for their supportive role, which has no affiliation with the affected hotel. The venue has been instrumental in brainstorming potential solutions, including considering Airbnbs as a last resort.
As the couple navigates this unforeseen setback, their story serves as a indicator of the drastic impact the unimaginable, yet happening, border crisis will cause on so many people in this country.