Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent statement blaming the Biden administration’s border policies for New York’s migrant crisis raises some concerns. While it shows a glimmer of hope that she might be acknowledging the problem, her endorsement of New York’s “right-to-shelter” policy, which is both impractical and costly, is a major mistake. This policy essentially guarantees assistance to anyone who arrives in New York, without considering the strain it puts on the city’s resources.
To be fair, Hochul did call out the federal government for neglecting states and localities affected by the border breakdown. In a speech in Albany, she rightly stated that the crisis originated with the federal government and that they should take responsibility for resolving it. While it’s commendable that she is holding Washington accountable, it would have been more impactful if she had specifically named President Biden, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
A serious governor would have also proposed a solution to the crisis, which involves reversing Biden’s open-border doctrine. While it is challenging to assimilate the migrants already in the country, a lasting solution is impossible without addressing the root of the problem—continued influx of migrants. Unfortunately, Hochul’s policy recommendations to Washington fall short of effectively tackling the crisis. She calls for federal work permits for migrants, significant financial assistance for their assimilation, and more federal land for shelters. However, these measures only offer short-term relief and fail to address the ongoing arrival of migrants.
Mayor Eric Adams has suggested that Hochul use an executive order to distribute migrants to communities outside of New York City while providing the city with additional funding. While this may seem like a logical solution in the immediate future, the reality is that it is not a sustainable approach. Simply put, there is a limit to how many migrants can be accommodated in Midtown hotels and other temporary shelters. Eventually, the rest of New York will be overwhelmed as well. Hochul’s migrant-shelter policy essentially follows the same flawed logic as the “right-to-shelter” approach, which is to keep building shelters until it becomes impossible to do so.
While Hochul’s critique of Washington aligns with Mayor Adams’ vague criticisms of the federal government, neither of them has demonstrated the willingness to make difficult decisions. They have failed to provide a compelling reason for President Biden, Senator Schumer, Congressman Jeffries, and Senator Gillibrand to take their concerns seriously. As a result, New York will continue to attract border-crossers until meaningful actions are taken.
In conclusion, Governor Hochul’s recent statement regarding the migrant crisis falls short of addressing the root cause of the problem. Though she rightly blames the federal government, her proposed solutions are inadequate and fail to offer a lasting resolution. Mayor Adams’ suggestions also lack the necessary foresight. Until Hochul, Adams, and other elected officials demonstrate a genuine commitment to solving the crisis, New York will remain a magnet for border-crossers.
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