Brown: We Need a Compassionate Approach to Combat Humanitarian Crisis New York is Facing
Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R,C-Northport) (top right) attends a press conference in Albany on May 17, 2023.
Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R,C-Northport) attended a press conference earlier today alongside Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square), Assemblyman Mike Reilly (R,C-Staten Island), Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) and Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown), as well as other state and local officials. Their goal is to introduce new legislation that will help address the growing humanitarian crisis facing New York City and the rest of the state, as thousands of asylum seekers continue to pour in. State Majority has not acknowledged or dealt with this escalating situation in an appropriate manner and the Assembly Minority is hoping new legislation will help address their concerns over safety and resources.
“We are in the midst of a massive humanitarian crisis here in New York, and it’s time to take action in a compassionate and meaningful way so everyone involved is treated with dignity and respect,” said Brown. “On the federal level, a comprehensive immigration plan needs to be put in place, so states like New York know who is entering the country and why. Asylum seekers who journey to New York need to have background checks and proper documentation completed, so law enforcement officials in the city and beyond know who is entering the state.
“It’s an unfortunate but harsh reality that many immigrants from the U.S.-Mexico border are used to mule illegal drugs like heroin and fentanyl across the country—we need to be mindful of this so we can protect our New York families. In addition, if hard-working taxpayers are going to fund humanitarian efforts to benefit asylum seekers, we need to ensure their citizenship is not put off, so they can attain employment and start paying back the money that contributed to their citizenship. This crisis is spiraling out of control. We owe it to our residents to create solutions that do not infringe on their rights as current New York state citizens,” concluded Brown.