Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul warned the state was at its “limit” as the Biden Administration gave the greenlight for thousands of migrants from Venezuela to be given work permits.
Hochul expressed she was “grateful” and told NY1 that expediting the approval of work permits for thousands of Venezuelan migrants who entered the United States prior to July 31 was “an important first step.” While praising the federal government’s efforts during an interview on CNN on Wednesday evening, Hochul said the state of New York should encourage migrants to go elsewhere.
Under the program, roughly, 242,700 Venezuelan migrants will continue to receive an existing temporary extension, along with roughly, 472,000 Venezuelan migrants who are expected to receive temporary protection status in order to receive work permits and stay in the country without fear of being removed, according to a press release from Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.
“We have to let the word out that when you come to New York we’re not going to have more hotel rooms,” Hochul said. “We don’t have capacity, so we have to also message properly that we’re at our limit.”
New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul on NYC's migrant crisis:
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 21, 2023
"If you're going to leave your country, go somewhere else" pic.twitter.com/dp1XWEUW7m
“If you’re going to leave your country, go somewhere else,” Hochul said.
Eleven states, including New York and California, are considered to be sanctuary states, according to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) website. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed an executive order on September 15, 2017, making it a sanctuary state.
Roughly 110,000 migrants are believed to have entered New York City since the spring of 2022. Venezuelan migrants make up roughly 40% of the total migrants who have entered the city since last year.
“The smarter thing is to apply for asylum before you leave your country,” Hochul added.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) has also come out stating that there is “no more room” in the city for asylum seekers.
