NEW YORK- Several Republican members of New York’s Congressional delegation sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams outlining their opposition to a request from New York City that state-owned facilities be utilized to house migrants. One of the members who signed onto the letter was Hudson Valley Congressman Mike Lawler (R, Pearl River).
“New York City must end its ‘sanctuary city status’ and New York State should not be using state facilities to house individuals, many of whom are denied asylum once their cases are finally heard,” said Lawler. “Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams should be joining us in demanding the Biden administration take immediate action to secure our border and stop this continued influx of migrants. We need to have a process that works and ensures that those who want to come to America, can do so legally.”
According to the letter, more than 100,000 migrants have come to New York City to seek shelter. The letter states that some of the migrants crossed the boarder legally by making an asylum claim, and others crossed illegally. Of those who crossed legally, more than 7o percent do not qualify for the asylum they seek.
The opposition stems from a request from New York City to use SUNY campuses, vacant prisons, and military bases to house the growing number of migrants.
The letter also calls on Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams to rescind all current sanctuary city policies and enforce all immigration laws, including allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to work with the New York City Police Department.
Republican Representatives Nick LaLota (NY-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Claudia Tenney (NY-22), and Nick Langworthy (NY-23) signed onto the letter in addition to Lawler.
