Staff Reports
The White House has responded to New York Governor Kathy Hochul's request for assistance with the state's immigration crisis, and the response is not what Hochul had hoped for. The White House contends its hands are tied without authorization from Congress to provide the necessary assistance. It appears that they are passing the burden in this situation.
White House claims it can't assist New York with migrant crisis without Congress approval https://t.co/6ge8R8p5dJ
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 27, 2023
Since the spring of 2022, New York City has experienced an influx of over 100,000 migrants from the southern frontier. Hochul seeks federal aid to cover the costs associated with this crisis, which include transportation, meals, lodging, and expedited work authorizations. According to the White House, however, only Congress can provide the necessary additional funding to resolve this issue.
The federal government has already contributed $145 million in direct financing to the migrant crisis in New York, so it's not like they're doing nothing. They have even permitted asylum claimants to reside at Floyd Bennett Field. But obviously Hochul is seeking more, and who could blame her? This is a problem that will only worsen if it is not adequately addressed.
In fact, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has predicted that if nothing changes, the cost of the immigration crisis in his city could reach a staggering $12 billion by 2025. Hochul has not provided a cost estimate for her request, but the state has already given over $1.5 billion to the city and could be responsible for another $4.5 billion next year. Folks, that's a lot of tax dollars.
It is time for President Biden to provide the urgently needed assistance to New York. This crisis will not resolve itself, and it is unreasonable to expect the state to bear the entire burden. Congress must act immediately and provide the necessary funding to confront this issue head-on. Stop playing politics and begin assisting the American people.
