Governor Hochul advocating expedited work authorization for migrants seeking asylum

NEW YORK CITY- While the state seeks out potential shelters, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is now advocating for expedited work authorization for migrants, who are seeking asylum.

She joined New York City Mayor Eric Adams in making the announcement on Monday. Under current law, Hochul said asylum seekers cannot work legally for 180-days. "They're eager to work. They want to work,” said the Governor.

“They came here in search of work and a new future, and they can become part of our economy and part of our communities, and people are ready to start training them right in facilities like we have here today."

Amidst an ongoing labor shortage statewide, Hochul says the changes she’s asking for would help make a difference. In terms of Upstate, the Governor pointed out what she said is approximately 5,000 farm jobs “open as we speak.”

"The cows don't wait to be milked, the plants need to be maintained and harvested in a few months,” she iterated.

In terms of housing and sheltering incoming migrants, Hochul says the state is eyeballing school campuses, former correctional facilities and psychiatric centers. 

Mayor Adams (left) and Governor Hochul (Right): Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.