Kathy Hochul’s administration took issue with my previous column, which is expected given my critique of the state’s Democratic governor for not doing enough to address the migrant wave. Hochul herself has acknowledged that this is a significant humanitarian crisis that goes beyond the capabilities of local governments. I emphasized the need for her administration, including the departments of Labor and Health and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, to be actively involved in developing a comprehensive approach.
Here are some suggestions: ensuring that migrants are placed near job opportunities, stores, and public transportation; providing advanced notice to schools that will be receiving an influx of students; and effectively communicating with local residents to dispel fear and misinformation. These measures should not be controversial but rather considered basic.
I posed the question of whether New York would benefit from a mediator at the state level who could bring order to the chaos and offer assistance in notifying upstate communities of migrant arrivals. I questioned the whereabouts of the governor in this regard.
Hochul’s spokesman, Avi Small, countered my arguments by highlighting some actions taken by the state. For instance, New York has provided housing sites for migrants, including the former Lincoln Correctional Facility in Manhattan, and the governor has been pressuring the federal government for more support. He also mentioned that the approved budget included $1 billion to aid New York City in housing, relocating, and supporting the new arrivals.
While I considered Small’s points, I remain unconvinced that Hochul’s efforts are sufficient. It is not solely the governor’s responsibility to solve the migrant problem, as immigration is a federal issue that requires action from Congress and President Joe Biden’s administration. However, New York City’s right-to-shelter law makes it an attractive destination for migrants, leading to unique challenges for Mayor Eric Adams. Given the lawsuits, acrimony, and confusion resulting from Adams’ decision to relocate migrants upstate, the state should intervene and take on a more active role. This has become a statewide issue, creating a conflict between downstate and upstate, and Albany has a clear obligation to address it, especially when Adams is struggling to manage the situation.
An example of the consequences of insufficient state involvement can be seen in Rotterdam, where the sudden placement of over 200 migrants in a motel caught local officials off guard and left residents without proper accommodation. With a more proactive state role, this situation could have been prevented, mitigating bitterness and unrest.
Of course, this would require political courage from the Hochul administration, as some voters may direct their anger towards the governor if she becomes involved in relocation decisions. Nevertheless, the current situation, where the responsibility lies with Adams and the private company DocGo, hired by New York City for relocation, is problematic. The New York Times has even reported allegations from migrants claiming mistreatment and deception by DocGo employees, feeling as if they are being treated like prisoners. These grievances underscore the urgent need for state intervention and coordination. Allowing the Adams administration to scatter migrants across the state without considering factors like proximity to employment and asylum processing courts will only lead to more problems.
It is clear that the migrant issue won’t simply disappear; in fact, it may worsen. Recently, a federal judge struck down a Biden administration policy that limited who can apply for asylum, and the implications of this decision are yet to be fully understood. However, it could result in an increased number of migrants arriving in New York. Without better planning and coordination, this could lead to further problems like those witnessed in Rotterdam and other upstate communities.
The governor needs to take more decisive action. While immigration is a federal matter, Hochul should show greater leadership and ensure that the state plays a more active role in addressing the challenges posed by the migrant wave.
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