New Yorkers are currently expressing a great deal of unhappiness. The latest Siena poll clearly shows our dissatisfaction with the politicians running our state and country, as well as the overall “direction” they are leading us in. It’s quite striking to see that even within our predominantly Democratic state, there seems to be a deep sense of political self-loathing.
One particular issue that is driving these negative feelings is the ongoing influx of asylum seekers into New York City. This presents a major challenge for both the city and the state, and it is heavily shaping public opinion regarding our elected leaders. People are starting to view this situation as more of a burden rather than a benefit, which is understandable but somewhat contradictory to our historic reputation as a haven for immigrants. After all, New York has always been proud of its immigrant-friendly stance, considering that the state itself is made up of migrants and their descendants.
However, I’m not ready to believe that we are completely abandoning the principles symbolized by the Statue of Liberty. I believe our negative sentiment is mainly a response to the initial mishandling of the migration crisis by our political leaders, as well as the sheer scale of asylum seekers arriving in our city. If our leaders had worked together from the start and developed a proper plan to process these migrants, we may not be paying as much attention to the issue right now. The truth is, the vast majority of New Yorkers are unaffected by this crisis.
While it is still too early to claim victory, it does seem like we are making progress. Federal resources are being allocated to assist with financial support, work permits, case workers, legal aid, and other necessary resources to move the migrants towards self-sufficiency. Our governor is finally taking assertive action, and I predict that by the end of the year, this crisis will be downgraded to an ongoing challenge. As our state’s economy improves due to a growing workforce, our mood may start to lighten as well.
Of course, immigration is a complex issue that requires a federal solution. Blaming one party or president for not solving this problem is unfair, considering that it has been a longstanding challenge. However, I can’t help but wonder if President Joe Biden, who undoubtedly has numerous concerns to address, might inadvertently lead to some form of immigration reform through his administration’s handling of our dilemma. For instance, implementing emergency measures to grant work permits to those who have already begun the legal immigration process. It’s just a thought, but wouldn’t it be remarkable if this crisis becomes an opportunity to make progress on immigration?
It’s important to remember that every poll is merely a snapshot in time. No matter how bleak the current mood may seem, we have to keep in mind that the sun will rise tomorrow. Meaningful state and national elections are still over a year away, and a lot can change during that time. As former Governor Andrew Cuomo used to say, anything can happen.
The recent Siena poll, released on August 22, holds significant importance for New Yorkers. It seems that the public’s harsh judgment of Governor Kathy Hochul’s lackadaisical governing style, as demonstrated by the fifth consecutive decline in her approval ratings, has finally caught her attention. Among the three politicians mentioned earlier, she is by far the most crucial figure to us. In this state, a governor must not only govern effectively but also be a strong advocate and visible presence in public affairs. By relinquishing the responsibility of organizing and coordinating the migrant crisis to Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, Hochul made a nearly fatal political mistake. That job belongs to her, and we all recognize that.
There are numerous factors that could play a role in the upcoming elections, aside from the issue of immigration, but it is too early to speculate about them. Suffice it to say, Democrats should be grateful that the election isn’t taking place tomorrow.
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