New York state will have more flexibility to obtain and procure resources for local governments to handle the expected influx of migrants seeking asylum with the expiration of the Title 42 immigration policy this week under an order issued Tuesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The order comes as New York City Mayor Eric Adams has moved to create a voluntary program to move 300 single, male migrants to Rockland and Orange counties over objections by local officials, who have declared states of emergency.
Title 42, which allowed border agents to expel asylum seekers to Mexico on an expedited basis, will lapse on Thursday.
The order issued by Hochul will allow state officials to increase the number of National Guard service members to provide logistical and operational support. New York will be able to mobilize an additional 500 members of the National Guard, providing support at the Port Authority as well as shelter sites.
The order will also allow for the state to more quickly purchase supplies and resources like food and equipment.
"For more than a year, we have been working closely with Mayor Adams to provide support and advocate for federal resources to address the large numbers of asylum seekers arriving in New York City," Hochul said. "With Title 42 set to expire, the circumstances on the ground are expected to change significantly and this Executive Order will be an important part of our coordinated response. I have spoken to Mayor Adams and County Executives throughout New York as we work to address this situation."
The order comes days after the state budget included $1 billion meant to aid asylum seekers and New York City officials with resources, including shelter costs, and to maintain the National Guard presence. But that's considered only a third of the funding needed to address the issue for the city alone.
Hochul's office said she and the administration have spoken with President Joe Biden on the issue as well as his top advisors and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.