Senator Gallivan Calls for More Information & Transparency on Migrant Crisis

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) and members of the Senate Minority conference say state officials must provide more information to local communities about the influx of migrants coming to New York State following the expiration of the Title 42 Order by the Biden Administration.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who indicated the City is struggling to keep up with the incoming flow of migrants, announced he would begin bussing migrants to Rockland and Orange Counties, despite the counties not being properly equipped with resources to handle it.

“It is most likely only a matter of time before other parts of the state, including Western New York, will also see an influx of migrants in need of shelter and care,” Senator Gallivan said. “Unfortunately, there seems to be more questions than answers.  How many individuals are expected?  Where will they go?  What facilities might be used to house them?  What is the state’s plan for helping local communities deal with the demand?

The Senators wrote a letter to the Governor in the wake of her Executive Order last week that declared a State of Emergency due to the expected surge of migrants into New York State following the expiration of the Title 42 Order by the Biden Administration.

In the letter, the Senators ask for greater transparency as to where migrants will be housed, where monies are being spent, and better communication between the administration and local municipalities where migrants might be relocated.

Senator Gallivan also questions whether adequate funding is available to local communities asked to accommodate migrants.  While the recently adopted state budget provides $1-billion for New York City to cover costs related to the migrant crisis, it has not allocated any funding for communities elsewhere in the state. 

“If upstate counties are going to be asked to help house thousands of individuals, the state must provide funding and other necessary resources,” Senator Gallivan said.

Lawmakers also announced the introduction of legislation to help alleviate the ongoing crisis. The bill (S.6995) would clarify that a local state of emergency supersedes a state of emergency issued by the Governor when the two are in conflict. This would restore local control, and allow municipalities to make decisions in the best interests of their communities. 

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