The Rise of Squatting: A Threat to Property Rights
In recent months, a disturbing trend has emerged across the United States – the rise of squatters taking over properties with fraudulent legal authority. This is not just a random occurrence, but a deliberate effort to undermine property rights and exploit tenant protections.
The issue came to a head with the tragic death of a woman in New York, allegedly murdered and dismembered by teens who had been squatting in her late mother’s apartment. Squatting, the act of claiming another’s property without permission, has become a growing concern as progressives misuse tenant protections to promote this illegal practice.
Progressives, including the Democratic Socialists of America, openly advocate for repealing laws that criminalize squatting, citing Karl Marx’s belief in abolishing all private property. This ideology has led to changes in laws in progressive cities like New York City, where squatters can now claim ownership of a property after occupying it for 10 years.
The consequences of these changes are dire for law-abiding property owners. Landlords in New York City face a lengthy and arduous eviction process if squatters have been living on their property for 30 days, leaving them vulnerable to confrontations and legal battles. In some cases, property owners have been arrested for trying to reclaim their own homes from squatters.
The situation has escalated to the point where squatters have been found with guns and drugs in their illegal residences, posing a serious threat to public safety. Lawmakers are taking action, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signing a law allowing for immediate eviction of squatters.
As the Biden administration labels the issue a “local problem,” states are considering reforms to address the growing threat of squatting. The fundamental dispute over property rights is at the heart of this issue, with the need to protect the rights of property owners and uphold the rule of law.
The rise of squatting is not just a legal issue, but a moral one as well. Property rights are human rights, and it is essential to protect these rights to ensure a safe and secure society for all.
