New York State candidates capitalize on migrant crisis to appeal to concerned voters.
New York City has been at the center of a migrant crisis, receiving over 210,000 asylum seekers in the last two years. This crisis has not only impacted the city but has also become a significant political issue in competitive House races across the state. Republicans have been using New York City to highlight the chaos they attribute to Democratic immigration policies, while Democrats have responded by taking a tougher stance on border security.
The political fallout from the migrant crisis has extended to various regions in New York. In Central New York, Republicans aired television ads attacking Mayor Eric Adams and showcasing images of migrants on city sidewalks to protect a House seat. In the Hudson Valley, a Republican congressman focused on crimes committed by migrants in Manhattan during a debate. On Long Island, a Democratic candidate promised to secure the southern border due to the spillover effects from New York City impacting the suburbs.
The issue of the migrant crisis has also been raised in the presidential race, with former President Donald J. Trump exaggerating reports of migrant gang activity in Manhattan during a rally. Trump’s approach reflects the Republican strategy of linking the migrant influx with concerns about crime and high living costs to appeal to voters.
This strategy has been evident in contested House races in New York, where New York City has been a common target in debates, speeches, and attack ads. The intertwining of the migrant crisis with other pressing issues aims to sway voters and potentially influence the outcome of key races that could determine control of Congress.
Source: The NY Times
