The details of the hotel rental agreement were first reported by the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, highlighting the international dimensions of local immigration issues.

Vivek Ramaswamy has publicly criticized New York City's decision to pay $220 million in rent for the Roosevelt Hotel, which is owned by the Pakistani government, to accommodate illegal migrants.

This arrangement, which involves housing migrants in the Roosevelt Hotel, underscores the ongoing challenges U.S. cities face in managing the influx of migrants amidst a significant crisis.

Under Mayor Eric Adams' administration, the hotel has been transformed into a vital intake center for asylum seekers, providing essential services as migrant arrivals surge.

Pakistan is leveraging this rental deal to generate revenue amid an economic crisis, aiming to alleviate its financial burdens.

The deal has sparked renewed debates about immigration spending, government waste, and the prioritization of public funds in the U.S.

The Roosevelt Hotel, a 19-storey landmark in Manhattan, had been closed since 2020 but reopened in 2024 under this lease agreement.

The hotel was previously dormant and in disrepair before this agreement, which aligns with Pakistan's broader economic stabilization efforts.

Critics argue that the arrangement raises concerns about taxpayer money being used for foreign-owned properties while highlighting the complexities of U.S. immigration policies.

Notable figures, including Elon Musk, have expressed outrage over the situation, labeling it as 'crazy' and emphasizing the implications for taxpayer dollars.

This controversy adds to the ongoing political discourse surrounding illegal immigration, a focal point for President-elect Donald Trump's campaign.

Ramaswamy's comments have been criticized for oversimplifying the financial complexities of the agreement, reflecting the contentious nature of the political landscape.