Andrew Cuomo calls New York City's immigration crisis a 'government failure'

Metro

by Christina Narizhnaya, carl campanile and jesse o'neil

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo called the nation's immigration crisis a “failure of government” during a speech at a Bronx church on Sunday, taking aim at Gov. Hochul and President Biden, both Democrats.

The scandal-scarred 66-year-old former governor, tiptoeing back into the public eye two and a half years after resigning amid a sexual harassment scandal, told members of Grove Missionary Baptist Church: He said that's wrong for New York City. Politicians in Albany “don't want to cause problems in the rest of New York” so they have to pay for all the immigration into the state.

“New York state says immigrants can only go to New York City, not the Hudson Valley, upstate New York, Long Island,” Cuomo said.

“There are over 100,000 immigrants coming to New York City right now. New York City has to provide housing, education, and health care. It makes no sense.

“And then the check comes in. You're in a restaurant, the check comes in, and no one moves, just looks at it, and everyone has their hands in their pockets. [New York City] Mayor [Eric] When Adams said, “Federals, you should pick up the tab. You started this,” the feds said, “I left my wallet at home.” “

Cuomo said the city's additional costs to support immigrants, the fact that taxes in the Big Apple are among the highest in the country, new congestion charges coming into Midtown, and continued local struggles with crime and homelessness are among the issues Cuomo cited. He said the situation was “making it unsustainable.” ”

He warned that more people would be leaving the state and city, and said it was ridiculous that many immigrants couldn't easily obtain documentation.

But the former governor cited the Bible and said the state must also show compassion, as immigrants are held at Brooklyn's secluded Floyd Bennett Field, which he called a “wind tunnel.” said it was “humiliating”.

“Forget how they got here. They are here. They are in our homes. They are human beings. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said. said.

The speech, which came as budget talks intensified in Albany, was a sign of an uptick in the city's Black churches for Mr. Cuomo, who considers the congregation a friendly electorate as he considers a possible political comeback. It was the latest in a series of attendances.

Church attendees Sunday were overwhelmingly supportive of Mr. Cuomo's speech, and everyone who spoke to the Post said they wanted him back in office.

“I like him, even though he's had his ups and downs,” said Lucious Peterson, 64.

“I think he should run one more time. I like his spirit,” Peterson said. “It would make a big difference if he got back there. I told him to run.”

Congregants Melinda Bourne, 70, and Lisa Washington agreed.

“I love him. It was a great speech. I feel like he's right,” Vaughn said. “Especially in this area, our voices need to be heard.” [the migrant crisis]. The federal government will have to pay its share. ”

“It was a great speech,” Washington added.

“He has worked for the city for many years and helped many people. He needs to return to office.”

Stephanie Tribble said she believes she was treated “unfairly” over the sexual harassment allegations that led to Cuomo's surprising fall from grace.

“I support everything he says and I love him,” Tribble said.

“As you move up in life, there are people who will fight alongside you and others who will fight against you.”