Since Monday, May 29, New York City Mayor Eric Adams bussed the second bus of migrants to Albany. Adams continues to work with migrants who arrived over the past year from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser. Adams has repeatedly asked for support from President Joe Biden and Governor Kathy Hochul.
The arrival of buses has received mixed reactions from other political leaders.
On Monday, Democratic Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan issued a statement welcoming the migrants and said:
“The City of Albany — a proud sanctuary city — welcomed its first bus of approximately 40 asylum seekers in search of freedom and a safe place to live last evening."
She added:
"I continue to stand with Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Tonko, and Governor Hochul to push for a 30-day employment authorization instead of the current 180 days for those who have filed for asylum. When I speak with business leaders throughout the City, County, and Capital Region, it is clear there are job opportunities for asylum seekers in various industries, including hospitality, health care, and food service — we just need to make it easier for asylum seekers to fill these long-vacant jobs.
Being welcomed with basic resources and the ability to secure a job and pay taxes will help integrate asylum seekers into our community and help them become productive new Americans.”
On Sunday, County Executive Dan McCoy said:
“They’re saying there’s probably going to be another bus of 150 coming up and it’s alarming because we want to do this right. We want to be part of the solution – not part of the problem, but it’s organized chaos right now.”
Town Supervisor Peter Crummey said:
“While that order did not necessarily exclude the possibility of migrants being housed within the county, it distinctly required a collaborated and coordinated deliberate plan amongst state, county, and local officials as well as non-profit organizations.”
One migrant named Mohamed shared his thoughts and wished he were back in New York City.
"It's better in New York City. There, no one cursed at you and said 'go back to your country.'"
Mayor Adams found a temporary solution for migrants in New York City but how long will political leaders allow this to continue?
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