Staff Reports
A recent poll from the Siena College Research Institute has revealed that New York voters are considerably more in line with President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration plans than many state leaders care to admit. The poll, taken earlier this month, shows a solid majority of registered voters in the Empire State favor deporting illegal migrants, a stark reality that seems to be lost on the state’s liberal political elite.
According to the survey, 54 percent of respondents believe New York should get on board with the federal government’s efforts to deport those living illegally in the state. Only 35 percent expressed opposition to Trump’s strategy. This majority support cuts across ethnic and religious lines, with notable figures from various backgrounds backing the president’s initiative. Among white voters, 56 percent supported the deportation efforts, with similar support from 51 percent of black voters and about 47 percent of Latino voters. Even within the various religious communities, the numbers were reminiscent of a group going for second helpings at a Thanksgiving feast, as 61 percent of Catholics, 59 percent of Protestants, and a respectable 50 percent of Jewish respondents showed their support for deportation policies.
Moreover, even with the poll skewing towards Democrats—49 percent of respondents identified as such while only 22 percent were Republican—the overwhelming support for deportation remains apparent. This stands in sharp contrast to the actions and rhetoric of Democratic leaders in New York, who appear to be completely out of touch with their constituents.
For instance, New York City Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom has been busy conjuring up ways for the city to obstruct Trump’s deportation plans, declaring a heartfelt commitment to “protect” those illegally residing in the city. Despite the residents’ desires for lawful enforcement, Williams-Isom’s compassionate posturing insists that the city will continue to prioritize illegal migrants over the safety and interests of its legitimate residents.
Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have been relentless advocates for unfettered illegal immigration, promoting the narrative that these vast waves of undocumented individuals are a boon for businesses looking for cheap labor. Hochul went so far as to extend an “emergency” order that allows her to lavish state resources upon illegal migrants, potentially running afoul of the law and taxpayer expectations alike. Yet, as pressure grows, Hochul has made a half-hearted attempt to adjust her stance on deportation by suddenly endorsing the removal of criminals, a move that many will likely view as too little, too late.
Poll Shows Majority of New Yorkers Support Trump on Deportation https://t.co/UGqKI5rpwY
— WindTalker (@nmlinguaphile) December 12, 2024
Recently, however, the Democratic response has not only been about loud proclamations but also about legislative efforts. Instead of taking the opportunity to align with voters, state Democrats decided to push a bill that would further entrench sanctuary laws, effectively complicating cooperation between New York police and federal authorities regarding deportations. As the federal government seeks to enforce immigration law, New York’s Democratic leaders are doubling down on their opposition, ignoring what the majority of their voters clearly want.
So, while the polled electorate is clamoring for a responsible approach to illegal immigration, it seems their voices are getting lost in the echoes of Democratic rhetoric. Maybe one day, New York’s politicians will start listening rather than letting their sanctuary city politics drown out the clear message from their constituents.
