NY Gov. Hochul appeals to Biden for housing funding, work authorization for undocumented immigrants.

New York Governor Urges President Biden to Provide Support for Illegal Immigrants

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is calling ‌on President Joe Biden to take ‌action and assist the state‍ in providing housing, ‍support,⁤ and work ⁣authorization for illegal immigrants. In a letter to President Biden, Governor ​Hochul outlined specific requests, including ​expedited work authorizations ​to help immigrants resettle more quickly, financial assistance for New York City and the⁢ state, ⁤and the⁢ use of federal land and facilities for temporary shelter sites.

Additionally, Governor ​Hochul requested⁢ funding for the New York National Guard members who have been supporting the sheltering efforts for illegal ‍immigrants across the state. The governor emphasized the urgent need for federal assistance due⁣ to the unprecedented⁣ influx of approximately 100,000 ‌illegal immigrants in New York City over the past year.

Challenges and Humanitarian ‍Crisis

The ‍increase in illegal immigrants has strained the city’s and state’s resources, ​creating operational ‌and management challenges and overwhelming demands​ on the ⁢city’s homeless shelters. Governor Hochul described the situation ⁤as​ a “humanitarian crisis.”

A⁢ Call for a Stronger​ Federal Response

In her letter, Governor ⁢Hochul ⁤acknowledged the initial⁢ steps taken by President Biden but ‍stressed the need ⁤for a more⁣ vigorous‍ federal response. She requested millions of dollars ⁣in federal funding to reimburse the state’s expenses ⁣for deploying National⁣ Guard⁣ members to shelters​ and‍ to cover the⁣ costs of the Metropolitan Transportation‍ Authority program provided to illegal⁢ immigrants.

The governor also ‍asked for financial assistance to test⁣ immigrants for illnesses, education aid for school districts facing significant increases in student population due to the⁤ immigration ‍crisis, and housing vouchers to alleviate‌ pressure on the city’s ‍shelters.

Federal Responsibility and Urgent Action

Governor​ Hochul‍ emphasized that managing and controlling the nation’s borders is ​the federal government’s ⁣direct responsibility. She stated that New Yorkers​ should not bear the financial burden of a federal⁤ responsibility and urged the‍ federal government to take prompt and⁤ significant action to fulfill its obligation to ⁢New York⁣ State.

Separately, Governor Hochul ⁢announced that the state’s Department of⁤ Labor will connect illegal immigrants to ⁤job openings throughout New York‌ state, allowing them to ⁤start working ‌immediately after obtaining federal‍ work authorization.