State Republicans in New York have called on Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul to hold a special legislative session to deal with the ongoing migrant crisis in the state “before a bad situation gets even worse.”
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Republican assemblymembers said that Hochul and state Democrats must address the crisis they helped to create. The press conference was held outside St. Agnes Academic High School, which has been serving as a migrant shelter.
“This is a crisis created and exacerbated by Democrats, and they have allowed it to spiral out of control,” said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Fulton).
“It’s time the State Legislature returns to Albany and puts guidelines in place before a bad situation gets even worse,” he added.
Barclay further said that the Biden administration had “turned its back on New York.”
Barclay was also joined by Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-Staten Island), Queens Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, and Republican Assembly candidate David Hirsch.
“From Staten Island to Whitestone, communities across New York City are standing up to say enough is enough when it comes to this out-of-control migrant crisis,” Reilly said.
Reilly further called on Hochul and New York Mayor Eric Adams to push the Biden administration to handle the crisis at the Southern border.
New York Mayor Eric Adams attends a press conference on gun violence prevention and public safety on July 31, 2023, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
“You can’t keep throwing money at the migrant crisis. It’s not going to solve the problem. You’re talking about billions and billions of dollars,” said Paladino. “New York is the best place to come. You get free shelter and a roof over your head. You get medical coverage. Your kids go to great schools.”
According to the New York Post, an estimated “107,000 migrants have been processed in total by the city since spring 2022 — and more than 59,000 migrants currently in New York’s care on the taxpayer dime.”
“Hizzoner and his top budget officials have estimated that the cost of the migrant crisis over three years could reach an eye-watering $12 billion,” it added.
Leading up to the press conference, New York state Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) said that state Republicans have been calling for action since the beginning of the crisis.
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“Since the beginning of this crisis, the Senate Republican Conference has been calling for action and solutions to ensure New Yorkers are protected in the midst of this unprecedented migrant crisis,” said Tonawanda. “As it continues to cause chaos and uncertainty in communities throughout the state, I am joining my colleagues in urging the governor to call an extraordinary session of the Legislature so we can take action”
A letter from New York Republican Assembly lawmakers further accused the Biden administration of driving the crisis.
“It’s undeniable that this problem was created and exacerbated by a complete lack of action at the southern border,” the letter said. “Under the Biden administration, migrant encounters have reached unprecedented levels. According to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, there have been approximately 5.9 million border encounters in the 31 months President Biden has been in office.”
Paul Roland Bois joined Breitbart News in 2021. He also directed the award-winning feature film, EXEMPLUM, which can be viewed for FREE on YouTube or Tubi. A high-quality, ad-free stream can also be purchased on Google Play or Vimeo on Demand. Follow him on Twitter @prolandfilms or Instagram @prolandfilms.
