In a recent Siena College poll, it was found that nearly two-thirds of New Yorkers are holding President Biden responsible for the ongoing migrant crisis. The poll highlights the concerns of New Yorkers regarding national security, financial implications, and other related issues. According to the survey, 64% of New Yorkers disapprove of President Biden’s handling of the recent influx of migrants in the state as of October. Surprisingly, this disapproval includes 48% of Democrats, 91% of Republicans, and 72% of independents.
The poll also shed light on the dissatisfaction with the way New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul have addressed the situation. The survey indicated that 46% of New Yorkers disapprove of Mayor Adams’ handling of the migrant influx, while only 30% approve. Similarly, 52% disapprove of Governor Hochul’s approach, while just 37% approve.
The issue of the migrant crisis remains at the forefront of voters’ minds, with 84% of respondents considering it a serious problem for the state, with 57% categorizing it as very serious. It is noteworthy that this concern is shared among various demographics, including Democrats, Republicans, independents, men, women, different ethnic groups, and religious affiliations.
The Siena College pollster, Steven Greenberg, commented on the overwhelming majority of voters who believe that New Yorkers should work to slow down the flow of migrants rather than accepting and assimilating them. This sentiment has grown significantly, with 82% of Republicans, 68% of independents, and 52% of Democrats agreeing with this view.
Despite New York being considered a “true blue state,” with 49% of voters enrolled as Democrats and only 23% as Republicans, the poll indicates trouble for President Biden. Greenberg notes that Biden’s favorability and job approval ratings in New York are at their worst levels. The survey also found that 52% of Democrats want a different presidential nominee in 2024, and in a hypothetical general election matchup, Biden leads Trump by a significantly smaller margin compared to 2020.
The article also highlights the increasing number of migrants pouring into New York City, with over 126,700 arrivals since last spring. This influx, combined with the ongoing war in Israel, has created a dual crisis for the city. While there have been calls for action by Hamas leaders, the NYPD has increased patrols, and Mayor Adams has stated that there have been no credible threats so far.
The strained relationship between Mayor Adams and President Biden has become evident in recent months, as Adams has been urging for more support from federal authorities to handle the migrant crisis. While Adams didn’t have a meeting with Biden during his recent visit to New York City for the United Nations General Assembly, Governor Hochul did meet with the president and secured a deal to fast-track work authorization for Venezuelans.
It is worth mentioning that while Governor Hochul has assisted Mayor Adams in relocating migrants across the state, the city is also preparing to open a migrant shelter at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn. This shelter aims to provide a place to stay for approximately 500 families with children seeking asylum.
The current scenario poses challenges for President Biden, as the poll indicates a growing dissatisfaction among New Yorkers. With the 2024 election approaching, the article concludes by underlining the need for the president to address these concerns effectively.
[Contact Information: Danielle Wallace, reporter for Digital, covering politics, crime, police, and more. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @danimwallace.]
