An emergency order signed late Monday by Schenectady County Manager Rory Fluman prohibits municipalities and Schenectady County entities from entering into contracts to transport people seeking housing to the county without its permission.

The emergency was issued after Schenectady County legislators met in a special public meeting Monday to discuss what the legislature's chairman said was the arrival of 183 migrants at the Super 8 in Rotterdam. The county says the order will not affect those who have already arrived. 

The order states "probable cause" exists that Super 8 illegally removed individuals occupying the motel just ahead of the migrants' arrival on July 18, which "forms a basis to believe similar action may be taken."

It says the county Social Services Department was already facing a housing crisis due to rising need. 

County Legislature Chairman Anthony Jasenski said last week that New York City entered into a contract with the operator of the Super 8 to allow the motel to house the asylum seekers, who arrived from New York City.

State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has requested state Attorney General Letitia James investigate the migrants' arrival in Rotterdam, saying it essentially evicted vulnerable individuals already residing there without notice.

Murad Awawdeh, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, denounced the county’s moves in a statement.

“Today, the immigrants and asylum seekers who have made their way to Schenectady County are no different than those who came before them to seek opportunity and safety," Awawdeh stated. "It is vital that our local governments and people welcome these asylum seekers – with the right care and support, they too may come to define the next chapter of our local economy and culture.”

Here is the emergency order:

Asylum Emergency Order 7.25.23 by Dennis Yusko on Scribd