Today, Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) and Assemblyman Anil Beephan, Jr. (R,C-East Fishkill) reacted to Dutchess and Putnam counties issuing emergency declarations in response to the ongoing migrant crisis. Slater and Beephan applauded both counties for taking action to keep their citizens safe. They also reiterated their call for the Assembly to pass common-sense legislation introduced by Slater and co-sponsored by Beephan that would require the state to conduct background checks and track all migrants in the state until they receive asylum status.

“The decisions made by Dutchess and Putnam counties to issue emergency declarations to protect their citizens is absolutely the correct one. This is a failure caused by the President which the Governor and Mayor Adams have proved unable to properly manage. Our counties and municipalities should not have to deal with a crisis they did not create and lack the resources to properly manage. I am once again calling for my legislation, A.7319, to be brought to the floor for a vote. This allows the state to conduct background checks and track migrants until their asylum status is granted. This is common-sense legislation and I urge all my colleagues to support it,” said Slater.

"As an assemblyman, I stand firmly with the residents of Dutchess County and our local towns in opposing the unapproved migrant relocation to upstate counties. While we recognize the importance of addressing immigration challenges with compassion and fairness, it is crucial to ensure that any such measures are implemented through a well-structured and legally compliant process. We believe upstate counties, including Dutchess, should not bear the burden of this relocation. Our communities deserve transparency, adequate resources and effective solutions that prioritize the needs and well-being of our residents. Together, we will advocate for responsible policies that respect the rights of all individuals while upholding the interests of our local communities," said Beephan.

A video statement from Assemblyman Anil Beephan, Jr. (R,C-East Fishkill) and Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) issuing statements of support to Dutchess County and Putnam County leadership following both counties issuing emergency declarations in response to the ongoing migrant crisis:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZmolMg099PvrFH2yhWWObGuf9bDf0ED6/view?usp=share_link