NEW YORK, CMC – New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams have called for expedited work authorization for Caribbean and other asylum seekers arriving in New York City from the country’s southern border states almost daily.
“They’re eager to work. They want to work. They came here in search of work and a new future, and they can become part of our economy and our communities, and people are ready to start training them right in facilities as we have here today,” Hochul told a news conference with Adams.
“I took note of the Statue of Liberty in Ellis Island as I came here… a reminder of my teenage grandparents who fled great poverty in Ireland over a century ago. Their eight children packed into a tiny house became business leaders, school superintendents, educators, and a granddaughter even became a governor.
“That’s what happens in one generation, one generation. People’s lives are transformed; they are changed. That is the story of New York. And let us have the power to give that same right and opportunity to people,” the Governor added.
Adams said 5,800 asylum seekers from the southern border states arrived in New York City last week.
“Those are real numbers; they’re not made-up numbers. And we are seeing the week before, 4,200. Just in one location alone, we had over 800, not only by buses but through the airports, cars, and every mode of transportation.
“Our administration has accurately reported the information to the best of our ability to partner with the Governor’s office to monitor and address this crisis. If these asylum seekers cannot work, if they cannot work, it will be a major impediment and interruption in pursuing that dream,” Adams said.
“So, we are calling on the White House, the United States Department of Homeland Security to ensure our newest Americans can work lawfully and build stable lives in our country.”.
Adams said Washington must redesignate and extend Temporary Protective Status, also known as TPS, and that the federal government must expand and open access to humanitarian parole for asylum seekers already in the United States.
“These asylum seekers came here looking for the American dream, a chance to work and build successful lives. Let’s give them a fighting chance at making this dream a reality.”
The New York City Council reiterated the need for expedited federal work authorization for asylum seekers.
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