May 17, 2023
From Congresswoman Claudia Tenney: “My office has received information that Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration is actively considering using SUNY facilities across New York, including at SUNY Geneseo and SUNY Oswego, to house illegal aliens,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This is a misguided decision that will make our communities less safe and put an enormous burden on local governments and taxpayers, not to mention one that would negatively impact our students. Without extensive vetting, health screenings, funding, and background information, we have no idea who these migrants even are or where they came from. Just this week, yet another terrorist was apprehended crossing our border, this time from Afghanistan. This unmitigated disaster is a direct result of Joe Biden’s open border agenda and Kathy Hochul’s policies that have made New York a magnate for illegal immigrants. Governor Hochul should immediately clarify that SUNY facilities will not be used to house illegal immigrants and take further action to make clear that those who travel here illegally will not receive taxpayer-subsidized housing under New York City’s “right-to-shelter” policy, which was never intended to be applied in this context. Upstate New York counties that stand for the rule of law should not be forced to pay the price for those that have embraced disastrous and illegal sanctuary city policies.
From Assemblywoman Majorie Byrnes: “Migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border are being bused in at a rate that exceeds New York City’s capabilities. Now, the state is sending migrants to communities across the state. It is my understanding that state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is evaluating localities in all counties, including facilities such as schools and colleges as mass shelter sites. This is a humanitarian crisis that was created by one-party rule makers in Albany and Washington failing to have a real plan in place. The lives of thousands of desperate people are at stake here. Our government has failed to come up with a solution. This crisis requires immediate attention.”
Byrnes is a sponsor of legislation drafted by Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) that will create oversight for humanitarian aid funding through reports to state Legislature from the governor and audits by the comptroller (awaiting bill number).
“While I support lawful migrants seeking to work hard and achieve the American Dream, this crisis is a national security risk that our nation’s leaders are forcing into small town communities. Unlike the lawful migrants who come here year-after-year to work with us on our farms and in our businesses and have become an extension of our families, the migrants flooding our borders, being bused across our state right now, have no checks or screening.”
