NEW YORK – New York lawmakers, including Governor Kathy Hochul are starting to reconsider their state’s status as a sanctuary state. The news comes shortly after migrants have overrun New York City shelters, creating a situation where migrants are sleeping on the streets and being left homeless.
Now, state leaders are starting to think twice about New York being a sanctuary for illegal migrants.
Governor Kathy Hochul has formally requested additional federal resources from President Biden to manage an unprecedented influx of asylum seekers arriving in New York. The Governor sent a detailed letter to the White House today, outlining various urgent needs.
The letter specifies a range of measures, including expedited work authorizations for asylum seekers and financial assistance for both New York City and New York State. Hochul also requested the use of federal land and facilities for temporary shelters, as well as Title 32 designation to secure federal funding for nearly 2,000 New York National Guard members currently involved in state-wide logistical and operational support.
The influx of migrants has made New York lawmakers uneasy. The border crisis was never supposed to be a New York City and state crisis.
“There’s no question the federal government has fundamentally failed the City of New York. The wave of migration that has swept New York City has put unprecedented strain on our shelter system and available resources. It’s simply unsustainable. And while we should be a welcoming sanctuary to asylum seekers from around the world, the burden of this crisis has wholly fallen on the shoulders of New York City and State,” Representative Ritchie Torres said. “I support Governor Kathy Hochul for urgently calling on the President to provide more federal support, temporary shelter, humanitarian aid, and to expedite work authorization for asylum seekers, which I believe he has the power to do unilaterally. The way out of this crisis isn’t shelter – it’s legal work status and independent living.”
The call for federal aid comes as New York grapples with a significant rise in asylum seekers, which has strained local resources and ignited debates on how to effectively manage the situation. New York State has already mobilized its National Guard to provide aid, but the Governor insists that federal assistance is imperative for a sustainable solution.
One lawmaker said the state cannot maintain its sanctuary status if the influx continues.
“I share Governor Hochul’s urgency in seeking federal funds for our current migrant crisis, which has exasperated the homelessness issue in our state,” Assemblymember Stefani L. Zinerman said, “We cannot maintain our status as a sanctuary city if we cannot house, feed, educate, transport, and employ those seeking asylum. Until our great state receives the resources, information, and authorization needed to maintain a decent quality of life for all New Yorkers, we will be forced to issue a moratorium on all new asylum seekers. The time for action is now!”