Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) joined members of the Assembly Minority Conference at a press conference today to discuss their omnibus immigration policy in light of the crisis resulting from New York City’s “sanctuary city” status.

Migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border are being bused in at a rate that exceeds New York City’s capabilities. Now, the state is sending migrants to communities across the state. It is the assemblywoman’s understanding that state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is evaluating localities in all counties, including facilities such as schools and colleges as mass shelter sites.

“This is a humanitarian crisis that was created by one-party rule makers in Albany and Washington failing to have a real plan in place,” said Byrnes. “The lives of thousands of desperate people are at stake here. Our government has failed to come up with a solution. This crisis requires immediate attention.”

Byrnes is a sponsor of legislation drafted by Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) that will create oversight for humanitarian aid funding through reports to state Legislature from the governor and audits by the comptroller (awaiting bill number).

Byrnes said, “While I support lawful migrants seeking to work hard and achieve the American Dream, this crisis is a national security risk that our nation’s leaders are forcing into small town communities. Unlike the lawful migrants who come here year-after-year to work with us on our farms and in our businesses and have become an extension of our families, the migrants flooding our borders, being bused across our state right now, have no checks or screening.”