Nassau officials held a news conference Thursday to make it clear that the county’s border is closed amid the ongoing migrant crisis in New York City.
“Let me make it clear one more time – Nassau County is not a sanctuary county,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Over 100,000 asylum seekers have arrived in New York City since spring 2022. One tent city opened earlier this week in Queens, near the Nassau County borders, drawing concern from nearby residents.
New York City is legally required to provide asylum seekers with housing because of city legislation. The state does not have any such laws.
Immigration advocates, however, say it is not just a New York City or federal problem and that people need to stop being afraid of migrants.
“They’re not criminals – these are ordinary people fleeing war, violence, persecution, from their countries,” says Sister Janet Kinney. “They’re coming to us to care for their families in a safe environment.”
Blakeman also addressed the rumors about the Nassau Coliseum possibility housing migrants in the future, saying the facility cannot be used to house asylum seekers.
However, county officials do not have many options if the state or federal government decides to open housing on state-owned property in Nassau County.
