The Suffolk Legislature approved a resolution Thursday to retain counsel as the county explores its legal options regarding asylum seekers and migrants possibly being relocated to the county.

The vote passed 11-7.

The measure was introduced by Republican Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffery.

"We don't want to end up like New York City, where it's out of control," McCaffery said.

Emotions ran high during an extended two-hour public comment, with some people worried about how their taxes would be affected by migrants and others concerned about shutting doors to people who need help.

Some residents said they are upset with how the vote came down but not surprised.

Pilar Moya-Mancera, a community activist, said she wants to help asylum seekers because she was once one of them.

"We cannot assume by them coming here the entire wall is going to fall apart and Long Island is going to sink," said Moya-Mancera, who migrated here from Peru in the 1980s.

McCaffery said they are reviewing several firms to decide who will become their special counsel.

Suffolk County also issued an executive order Friday to set stricter rules and guidelines for migrant arrivals.