Officials in Suffolk County are preparing to possibly block New York City from sending asylum seekers to the county. Suffolk legislators voted to hire an attorney who will now look into the county's legal options in case New York City decides to send asylum seekers to the county. Kevin McCaffrey is the legislature's Presiding Officer.
“We are not looking to be anti-immigrant. We are just looking to protect everyone in Suffolk County so we don’t end up in the same place that New York City has. They are going to be cutting services.”
Many community members spoke out for and against the measure at a hearing today. Those against it say the county should show compassion for migrants sent its way. New York City is out of shelter room and is sending or attempting to send migrants to many other places in the state.