Resolution seeks to avoid immigration crisis in Erie County
Erie County Legislator Jim Malczewski (10th District) is calling on the Erie County Executive to declare a State of Emergency in Erie County. The 10th District lawmaker is introducing a resolution in the Erie County Legislature this week opposing the efforts of New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams to relocate migrants and asylum seekers to other parts of the state, which may include Erie County.
“We simply do not have the proper infrastructure to handle an influx of migrants,” said Legislator Jim Malczewski. “We have considerable issues of poverty in this community already. Erie County devotes significant resources to addressing those concerns and it’s a constant challenge. Sending asylum seekers here would absolutely overwhelm our system.”
In a 2021 Forbes magazine report of highest poverty rates in cities with over 100,000 population, Buffalo ranked seventh. An influx of migrants would inundate an already overtaxed system.
“Immigration at the southern border has been a big problem for a long time. Inaction on the part of the federal government has made matters worse. The same elected leaders that turned their backs on this crisis or that declared they were sanctuary cities are now saying they can’t handle the thousands seeking shelter and want to send them elsewhere. This is how they deal with the consequences of their own declarations,” said Legislator Malczewski.
New York City leaders and New York’s Governor have said they will be announcing soon where many of the asylum seekers will be sent.
“What input or coordination have they sought from target counties? We are a caring community. But so many already need our assistance. A State of Emergency sends the message to New York and Albany that Erie County is simply not in a position to handle it. This mess is brought to us by Democrats in Washington who won’t do their jobs. We shouldn’t have to pay for their inaction.” concluded Legislator Malczewski.
