Despite the economic struggles Americans are facing, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration made it easier than ever for illegal border crossers who have obtained work authorizations in her state to find jobs.
In a statement released on Monday, the Democrat governor said about 18,000 jobs have been identified in the Empire State with nearly 400 employers.
“Migrants and asylum seekers came here to work — so let’s put them to work,” Hochul said. “Right now, we have a migrant crisis and a workforce crisis. By connecting work-eligible individuals with jobs and opportunity in New York, we can solve them both and secure a brighter future for all New Yorkers.”
On August 24, Governor Hochul directed the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) to conduct outreach to employers and determine which job openings could be filled with migrants and asylum seekers. This initiative has identified more than 18,000 private sector job openings at 379 companies who have identified roles that could be filled by individuals with legal work status. This includes job openings in accommodation and food services, healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, and administrative support. (Governor's Office)
"We have to manage the fact that there's 125,000 people right now, up until tomorrow, have not been eligible to work, and have relied on public support for housing," Hochul said during a press conference. "That is not a sustainable dynamic. It is just not sustainable in the long term. But we've dealt with it. So, I'm going to call on businesses to sign up even more."
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Despite her recent public criticism that the U.S.-Mexico border is “too open,” Hochul has made it one step easier for these individuals to now live in New York.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (2021): "Our message to the world is: send us your people!"
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 2, 2023
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (yesterday): "It is TOO OPEN right now!"pic.twitter.com/mqksYhYwoZ
New York City in particular and the Empire State in general have struggled to handle the strain the illegal immigration crisis has had on resources in the state, with the Big Apple projected to spend $12 billion on “asylum seekers” by the end of FY 2025.
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