Fight over immigration promised by Hochul, yet accomplishments appear scarce
Governor Kathy Hochul's recent announcement of a $50 million investment in immigrant legal services has been met with mixed reactions from immigrant advocates. While the funds will provide some much-needed support, the sum falls short of the $165 million that advocates have consistently requested for several years.
The $50 million announced by Governor Hochul on Tuesday is not new money but rather a portion of the budget passed in early May. This investment comes after a record high allocation of $64.2 million for immigrant legal services assistance last year, which advocates consider "stagnant" compared to the previous year.
The Access to Representation (ARA) bill, a legislative proposal that would create a state-based right to counsel for New Yorkers facing deportation, has been a point of contention. Governor Hochul has not publicly stated her support for the bill, and it failed to pass before the end of the legislative session this year. The ARA bill, introduced by Assembly Member Catalina Cruz and Senator Brad Hoylman-Siegal, has been included in the one-house budget proposals of both the state Senate and Assembly in the past, but Governor Hochul has never indicated her support for the bill.
Advocates, such as Immigrant ARC, have called on the Governor to include $150 million in funding for the ARA in her proposed budget to continue New York's leadership in providing free community-based legal services to immigrants fighting deportation. However, Governor Hochul's FY 2025 Executive Budget proposal did not detail funding for legal representation under the ARA specifically.
In the midst of these debates, Governor Hochul has been criticised by political figures like Elise Stefanik, signalling a potential 2026 race. Meanwhile, Governor Hochul has expressed concern for immigrants who don't have the profile or resources of mayoral candidate Brad Lander, who was recently arrested by federal immigration officers. She described the arrest as "bullshit".
As the state prepares for Albany Somos, a new package of immigrant rights bills has been introduced. However, none of the immigrant protection bills were acted on by the Legislature before the end of the legislative session this year. Immigrant advocates continue to rally and demand dedicated funding and the passage of the ARA alongside other legal service funding initiatives.
In conclusion, while Governor Hochul has made significant financial commitments to immigrant shelter and services, her budget proposals have not explicitly included nor championed the Access to Representation bill or its funding. Advocates continue to urge her to take stronger action on this issue.
The debate surrounding Governor Hochul's latest investment in immigrant legal services extends to the political sphere, as the announced $50 million falls below the $165 million repeatedly demanded by advocates. Furthermore, the Access to Representation (ARA) bill, a proposed state-based right to counsel for New Yorkers facing deportation, remains a contentious issue, with Governor Hochul yet to publicly express support and the bill failing to pass before the legislative session's end.
