New York Migrant Crisis: Gov. Kathy Hochul Backs Removing 'Right To Shelter Law' To Resolve Migrant Issue

Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her support for the suspension of the "right to shelter" law following the New York migrant crisis, which has strained the city's resources, according to the NY Post.

Mayor Eric Adams has been advocating for the temporary halt of this decades-old mandate in response to the escalating migrant crisis.

Governor Hochul conveyed her agreement with this approach during an interview with CNN on Wednesday, emphasizing that the original purpose of the law was not to provide shelter to the entire global population.

Hochul asserted, "Rescinding the court-ordered mandate that obliges the city to offer shelter to anyone who requests it is the right course of action."

She elaborated on the law's history, noting that it was initially intended to address the needs of homeless individuals living on the streets, as well as those afflicted by AIDS, and later extended to include families.

However, the governor clarified, "It was never conceived as an open-ended, universal entitlement or obligation for the city to accommodate the entire world."

Currently, the Adams administration is actively contesting the "right to shelter" rule in the state Supreme Court, arguing that they must limit acceptance due to the city's strained resources.

Gov. Kathy Hochul Supports Asylum Seekers Before New York Migrant Crisis

New York Governor Kathy Hochul's recent statements on the migrant situation mark a significant shift from her previous stance, Daily Mail noted. Just three years ago, she extended a warm welcome to asylum seekers, vowing to provide housing and protection for them.

However, the current circumstances have led to a change in her position, as she acknowledged the city's limitations in addressing the ongoing influx of migrants.

Kathy Hochul cautioned that New York City no longer can accommodate asylum seekers in hotel rooms, as was done in the past.

She emphasized the need to convey this message effectively, advising potential migrants that if they leave their home countries, they should consider alternative destinations due to the city's constrained resources.

This reversal is striking when compared to her sentiments in December 2021 when she invoked the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, emphasizing the city's willingness to welcome "tired, poor, and huddled masses yearning to be free" with open arms and a commitment to providing both housing and protection.

Since last spring, more than 113,000 migrants have arrived in the city, placing a significant burden on its resources.

New York City is legally obligated to provide shelter to those who arrive, leading Mayor Eric Adams to explore various short-term solutions, including utilizing hotels, makeshift shelters, and temporary housing.

Officials have been sounding the alarm about the city's inability to address the situation effectively, with estimates suggesting a potential cost of approximately $12 billion over the next three years.

Mayor Adams, too, has undergone a shift in his approach to how welcoming the city should be to migrants amid the challenging New York migrant crisis.

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Meets President Joe Biden Before He Approves Work Authorization to Venezuelan Migrants

During President Biden's visit to New York City for his address to the United Nations General Assembly this week, Governor Kathy Hochul held a meeting with him, per Fox News.

Following this meeting, the Biden administration announced significant measures aimed at approximately 470,000 Venezuelans already residing in the United States.

These measures include the approval of work authorization and the delay of deportation proceedings.

New York City officials have reported that around 116,000 migrants have arrived from the border, with recent waves including individuals from African nations and even Russia.

Mayor Eric Adams, despite not meeting with President Biden during his visit, expressed gratitude to the president for expediting work authorization for Venezuelan migrants.

The Department of Homeland Security has clarified that the temporary protected status granted to Venezuelans, which spans 18 months, will not apply to those who entered the US after July 31, 2023.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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