Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo attributed New York City’s immigration challenges to the Biden administration and asserted that former President Donald Trump’s predictions about a national crisis would prove accurate. Cuomo, a disgraced Democrat who resigned in 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment, delivered a speech on Thursday evening focusing on the government’s approach to immigration.
In his address, Cuomo expressed concern that Democrats would bear the brunt of the consequences of President Biden’s handling of border security, as reported by the New York Post. He stated, “The repercussions will be felt within our party. I can predict what Donald Trump will say in just four words: ‘I told you so.’”
Cuomo criticized President Joe Biden and his administration for their role in exacerbating the immigration situation. He emphasized that immigration policies fell squarely under federal jurisdiction, not the responsibility of states or cities. Cuomo addressed a gathering at the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club in Brooklyn and said, “Immigration law is unequivocally a federal responsibility.”
Furthermore, Cuomo remarked that if he were still in office, he would take it upon himself to visit Washington and demand that President Biden “take control of the situation.” He expressed disbelief that decisions about the distribution of hundreds of thousands of migrants nationwide were being made by Governor Greg Abbott of Texas. Cuomo considered this a federal responsibility and urged every city and state to contribute their fair share.
Cuomo argued that the federal government should bear the financial burden of supporting migrants and should not shift the cost onto the taxpayers of individual cities. He insisted, “The federal government should foot the bill for the expenses associated with migrants and refrain from imposing financial obligations on any specific city.”
Cuomo also stressed the need for assistance from his successor, Democrat Kathy Hochul, and the state in helping Democrat Mayor Eric Adams manage the influx of migrants, who arrive at a rate of approximately 10,000 per week in New York City. This influx has necessitated significant budget cuts across various city departments. Cuomo echoed Mayor Adams’ concerns, stating, “New York City cannot sustain this burden. There is no feasible way, be it legally, ethically, financially, or practically, to expect New York City to handle this financial responsibility, given their current financial constraints.”
Cuomo proposed the implementation of a work program for new migrants rather than imposing an obligation on New York communities to accommodate an influx of individuals. He argued, “Let them contribute through employment and cover their expenses. By permitting them to work, we can address the labor needs of many areas in the state without placing the entire financial burden on individual counties.”