Hochul asks federal government to help migrants work

Gov. Kathy Hochul is asking the federal government to give migrants the ability to work.

Hochul spoke in New York City on Monday, asking the government to expedite the process for tens of thousands of migrants living in New York to obtain employment while they are staying in the state.

There is a 180-day waiting period for migrants who have obtained asylum seeker status to get a job.

Hochul says expediting that process would be good for the economy – and address the labor shortage at the same time.

The New York Farm Bureau released this statement:

“New York Farm Bureau has long been calling for immigration reform to address serious labor issues that place our food system in jeopardy. A lack of a strong border policy has led us to today. We support Gov. Hochul’s request to the federal government to expedite work visas for migrants who have been properly processed and who want to work on farms in New York State. There are good opportunities to be a part of our valuable food system, and we will continue to work with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets along with Cornell’s Agricultural Workforce Development program to find a pathway forward. However, this action would just be a temporary band aid for a greater problem that must be solved in Washington, D.C.”