August 19, 2014

The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo

Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Governor Cuomo:

According to published reports and federal data, New York has received 3,347 illegal immigrant minors including some
in Dutchess County, the county that I represent. In Dutchess County, local officials were not informed of this placement
and only learned of it from constituents.

The illegal immigration issue is particularly important to New Yorkers because state lawmakers
are proposing legislation that would allow non-citizens, including illegal immigrants, the right to vote and receive
Medicaid coverage. Meanwhile, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York City Council are moving ahead with a
controversial plan to give official city identification cards to illegal immigrants. Finally, New York Citys federal
immigration judges are the most lenient in the country, granting asylum to 80 percent of those who seek it. These
factors make our state a magnet for illegal immigrants. Given these facts, New Yorkers deserve answers to the
following questions:
1. Why did your administration choose not to inform local officials about the placement of illegal immigrant
minors in their communities?
2. Will you prevent New York State tax dollars from being spent to support illegal immigrants?
3. Do you support or oppose State Senator Riveras proposal to allow illegal immigrants to vote and qualify for
Medicaid coverage?
4. Do you support or oppose Mayor de Blasios plan to give official city identification cards to illegal immigrants?

Im disappointed that the placement of illegal immigrant minors in our state was kept secret from local officials.
According to the Washington Post, at least thirty-two governors have made statements on the border crisis and how it
relates to their state including governors in states that are not hosting illegal immigrant minors. Our state has received
thousands of the illegal border crossers but our chief executive has remained silent. The opaqueness of your
administration on this critical issue is unacceptable.

Finally, there are millions around the world, including children, waiting on line to immigrate legally while enduring
extremely difficult circumstances at home. It isn't easy and the process is long, but they're trying to do the right thing. To
allow others to jump the line sends a terrible message to legal immigrants and those who wish to immigrate legally.

I would be happy to discuss the matter further with your administration. I can be contacted at (845) 221-2202 or
lalork@assembly.state.ny.us.

Respectfully,

Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor