Immigrant Advocates React to NY Supreme Court’s Temporary Restraining Order on Mayor Adams’ Busing of Asylum Seekers to Orange County

New York, NY—Today, an Orange County Supreme Court judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking New York City from sending additional asylum seekers to Orange County. There are currently 186 single adult men staying at two hotels in Orange County, who are allowed to stay there.

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:

“We believe that every state and every community has the capacity to welcome people fleeing danger, if done right. NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus need to start coordinating and planning to ensure the health and well-being of the asylum seekers sent to the region. But County Executive Neahaus shouldn’t be gloating about the judge’s temporary restraining order. His actions in response to asylum seekers to his region have been shameful — he has done nothing more than stoke fear and resentment in his community. At a moment when he should be choosing to welcome, he has instead chosen cruelty. Immigrant families seeking safety should be received in a safe, orderly and secure manner — and not used as political pawns. Luckily, community organizations, churches, and everyday people in Orange County and in cities across the country have stepped up to greet new arrivals. Together, communities across New York State can create a welcoming New York for all, no matter when people arrived or how they got here.”