Governor Kathy Hochul denies NYS played a role in border crisis

Governor Kathy Hochul suggested on Thursday that the Empire State could use more migrant labor while rejecting suggestions that sanctuary city protections have something to do with a growing crisis along the US border that saw buses full of asylum seekers flood New York.

“I just did a farm tour in upstate New York. They’re begging for workers,” Hochul told reporters in Albany on Thursday after encouraging state efforts to boost semiconductor manufacturing.

« I’ve walked the streets of Manhattan, I’ve walked the streets of Albany – there are help signs everywhere. We’re a smart, thoughtful country, and we can put aside the passions of any the world about it and say, ‘It’s really good for our economy,’ she insisted.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has blamed immigrant-friendly policies in blue states like New York for driving migrants to his border towns – a situation he is now correcting by sending buses full of migrants to places dominated by Democrats like New York.

The influx of migrants – many of whom are believed to be seeking political asylum in the United States – into the city has strained social services as Mayor Eric Adams and officials scramble to provide shelter for new arrivals, such as the requires the law.

Adams pushed back against Abbott and threatened to campaign against him in the increasingly contentious Texas conservative race against Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke.

« Make my day, » Abbott replied to Adams while putting together his best « Dirty Harry » impression.

New York Republicans like Rep. Lee Zeldin, the GOP gubernatorial nominee, have said now is even a good time for Democrats in Albany to reevaluate programs such as subsidized immigrant health care in order to slowing the flow of migrants, which conservatives accuse of luring people to cross the border illegally.

“You must end the transportation of illegal immigrants into our state, enable and encourage greater coordination and cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and repeal problematic incentives that reward illegal entry. “, reads an August 9 letter to Hochul from Zeldin. and other Republican members of the state congressional delegation.

The state has provided assistance to the city’s efforts to welcome migrants by setting up a welcome center at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown, Hochul said earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Hochul, pouring gas on the fire, is urging President Biden and federal officials to overhaul the immigration system to make it easier for non-citizens to get jobs in New York while downplaying any role the government has. ‘Empire State might have to attract people to cross the border in the first place.

« I’m not sure they’re coming to Texas because of what we’re doing here in New York, » Hochul said Thursday.