Bruce Blakeman: Nassau County will not participate in sanctuary programs
There was mixed reaction to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s comments – some applauded his decision, while others said migrants should be welcomed to Nassau County.
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As a potential wave of migrants head for the metro area, New York City is preparing new centers to house them.
However, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is sending a clear message about whether the county will take in any asylum seekers. On his Facebook page and during a press conference Monday morning, Blakeman said the county will not be participating in sanctuary programs.
“It is not responsibility of local government, it is the responsibility of federal government to have a national policy," he said. "To invite people in who are undocumented, not knowing who they are or why they are here, I think is very faulty and something we do not endorse in Nassau."
NYC officials have taken care of at least 65,000 asylum seekers - with the latest resource center located at the Roosevelt Hotel outside Grand Central Station.
"This would stress many of the services that are provided by our school districts by the county, and by the towns and villages and this is not a situation where we agree with the federal policy in Washington," Blakeman added.
There was mixed reaction to Blakeman’s comments – some applauded his decision, while others said migrants should be welcomed to Nassau County.
"I think everyone should have the same opportunity here," acknowledged Garden City resident Hunter Allen. "I think for all the fuss people make the percentage of budget that goes to them is minimal.
Blakeman says Nassau has not been contacted by NYC Officials about bussing migrants,
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone agreed with Blakeman saying the immigration system is broken and the federal government must act to fix it by securing the border, while also providing a pathway to citizenship and enacting rational immigration standards.
