Staff Reports
New York Republican leaders are making a bold stand against the surge of asylum seekers entering the state, demanding immediate action from Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Will Barclay have sent a stern letter to Hochul, calling for the deployment of the National Guard to the southern border. Their message is clear: it's time to stem the flow of illegal migrants into the state.
Ortt and Barclay pull no punches, acknowledging that immigration reform is a federal matter while emphasizing the state's responsibility to protect its citizens and communities. They openly criticize the Biden Administration for its perceived inaction and failed policies leading to the current crisis.
Hochul urged to send National Guard troops to southern border https://t.co/bgkHeC7mQL
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) February 3, 2024
Drawing on past success, Ortt reminds Hochul of New York's deployment of National Guard troops to the U.S. border in 2006 and 2007 under Operation Jump Start, with Ortt having been deployed to Arizona during those efforts. With resolute determination, these Republican lawmakers demand action and leadership in response to the migrant crisis, expressing frustration at the lack of effective measures.
Highlighting staggering numbers, the lawmakers note that New York has seen over 160,000 migrants in the past year alone, incurring massive costs. They argue that the financial burden on New York City, estimated at $1 billion for housing and essential needs for migrants, could rise to over $10 billion in the coming years, diverting funds from local schools and essential assistance for New Yorkers.
Addressing the controversy over the temporary shutdown of a Brooklyn high school to house migrants, the lawmakers assert that the influx has compromised services and limited access to essential programs for locals. It's a strong and unapologetic stance from these Republican leaders.
The urgency of the situation prompts the call for National Guard action. Ortt and Barclay point to staggering statistics, citing over 300,000 encounters reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in December alone, with 91,640 illegal crossings reported on New York's northern border in the past year. The border crisis is hitting close to home, and action is imperative.
Governor Hochul pushes back, accusing House Republicans of obstructing immigration reforms in Congress. She suggests Republicans should unite and seek support from their Washington leadership for a proposed bill. Ortt and Barclay remain undeterred, unwavering in their demand for National Guard deployment to address the immigration crisis, determined to see action taken.
