Amid the rampant, out-of-control illegal immigration that has occurred under the Biden administration, sanctuary cities, such as New York City, have been struggling to bear the burden of the migrant crisis. According to recent reports, the state of New York has championed a $25 million migrant relocation program to move migrant families out of the Big Apple and into surrounding communities throughout the state.
However, many of these other localities have pushed back against the state, where only five of New York’s sixty-two counties are accepting migrants. Suffolk County, one of the counties that was previously open to receiving the relocation of migrants, is now stating they are reevaluating its stance on the matter.
Michael Martino, director of communications for Suffolk County executive Ed Romaine, told Fox News, “Suffolk County is not, nor will it be a sanctuary city, and we have not agreed to accepting undocumented migrants.” He added, “We are working with the state on clarification of the program.” Rockland County Executive Ed Day succinctly explained that New York City’s problem is “because you asked for it. You’re a sanctuary city; we’re not.”
Last year, Suffolk County announced plans to prevent New York City from sending migrants and asylum seekers. Republican Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey noted that the Suffolk County Legislature has begun taking measures to counteract the efforts of New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“We are watching a humanitarian crisis spin out of control due to the complete incompetence of the Biden Administration and Gov. Hochul,” said McCaffrey. “Thousands of migrants and asylum-seekers are being sent to municipalities every day. Our message is simple: the residents of Suffolk County should not have to shoulder the burden of the failed policies of the Biden and Hochul administrations, and we will do whatever is in our power to stop this effort.”
The presiding officer maintained that his county cannot allow Democratic officials to redistribute the burden of the migrant crisis on its residents. “We cannot allow the Biden, Hochul and Adams administrations to pass on these costs to the residents of Suffolk,” stated McCaffrey. “The amount of money that the federal and state governments have committed towards this crisis is a mere drop in the bucket compared to what it will actually cost the taxpayers.”
“We recognize that we are a country of immigrants. This is about the failed immigration policies of the federal government. There is no vetting process in place. It can take up to two years to have a hearing about being granted asylum. During that time, nobody will be able to get work permits,” McCaffrey added. “We do not know who may be sent to our county so we do not know what strain it could put on partners in law enforcement. But we do know that they have no way to provide for their food, shelter, medical, or schooling costs because the Biden Administration’s failed policy prevents from them obtaining work legally.”
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