In an unexpected turn of events, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has publicly acknowledged the issue of border security, conceding that the border is "too open." This statement marks a significant departure from her previous stance, where she had praised the influx of undocumented immigrants as beneficial for the economy. It appears that political pressures have prompted her to change her position on this contentious issue.
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Calls for a “Limit On Who Can Come Across the Border”
“It is too open right now. People coming from all over the world are finding their way through simply saying they need asylum and…ending up in the streets of New York.”pic.twitter.com/fcCmQMpUqc
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) October 1, 2023
During a recent interview, Hochul advocated for stricter border controls, including limitations on who can cross the border. She even suggested the possibility of doubling or quadrupling the Border Patrol force. While she attributes the problem to Congress, it is widely recognized that the Biden administration's reluctance to reinstate effective immigration policies plays a central role in the ongoing situation. It is a positive development to witness a Democrat acknowledging the need for enhanced border security, albeit belatedly.
However, it's essential to clarify that Hochul's assertion that a "majority" of undocumented immigrants end up on the streets of New York is not accurate. Since the commencement of the crisis, only approximately 110,000-125,000 migrants have arrived in New York over the course of several years. In contrast, in August alone, there were nearly 233,000 encounters at the border. September saw a further escalation, setting a new record for encounters. Clearly, New York is not the epicenter of this crisis, despite Hochul's assertions.
This is where Governor Greg Abbott of Texas enters the picture. He made the bold decision to redirect a portion of this crisis to the doorstep of "sanctuary" Democrats who had prioritized virtue signaling over addressing the humanitarian and national security consequences of their policies. Now, they can no longer ignore the repercussions of their actions.
As we approach the end of fiscal year 2023, U.S. border officials are projected to record over three million encounters, not accounting for the countless individuals who manage to enter undetected. This is the legacy of the Biden administration—a porous border that permits undocumented immigrants to enter the country unchecked. It is understandable that Governor Hochul has finally acknowledged this reality, even if it took some time to do so.
While Governor Hochul deserves credit for recognizing the border crisis, it is crucial to remember the broader context—the failures of the Biden administration and the Democratic party's reluctance to take substantial measures to secure our borders. The American people deserve strong leadership and meaningful change on this issue.