Governor Kathy Hochul provides an update after meeting with White House Border Czar Tom Homan. | Photo Aidin Bharti/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul met Friday with federal border adviser Tom Homan for a closed‑door discussion on New York’s ongoing migrant crisis, focusing on border enforcement, work authorization delays, and the growing number of undocumented immigrants working in restaurants, agriculture, and other essential industries, according to officials familiar with the meeting.
The meeting, held in Manhattan, comes as New York continues to manage the arrival of more than 180,000 migrants over the past two years, many of whom remain in legal limbo while awaiting federal work authorization. Hochul has repeatedly pressed the White House for faster processing, expanded parole authority, and additional federal funding for shelter and services.
Focus on Undocumented Workers in Restaurants and Agriculture
According to officials briefed on the conversation, Hochul and Homan discussed the realities facing undocumented workers in New York’s service and agricultural sectors. Restaurant owners across the state have reported relying heavily on immigrant labor — both authorized and unauthorized — to fill chronic staffing shortages. Farm owners in the Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, and Western New York have raised similar concerns, noting that seasonal labor needs have intensified while federal visa programs remain backlogged.
Hochul emphasized that New York’s economy “depends on a stable, legal workforce,” and reiterated her call for federal reforms that would allow asylum seekers and long‑time undocumented residents to work legally. Homan, who has advocated for stricter border enforcement, acknowledged the labor pressures but stressed the need for “consistent federal policy” to prevent future surges.
Border Security, Asylum Backlogs, and Shelter Costs
The two also discussed the strain on New York City’s shelter system, which continues to house tens of thousands of migrants. Hochul has requested additional federal reimbursement for hotel contracts, emergency shelters, and case management services. State officials said she pressed Homan on the need for faster asylum adjudications, noting that many migrants wait years before receiving a work permit or court hearing.
Homan, appointed by the Trump administration as a senior border adviser, has been a vocal critic of federal immigration backlogs and inconsistent enforcement. While the two leaders differ on several policy approaches, both agreed that the current system is “unsustainable” and requires coordinated federal‑state action.
Local Impact: Restaurants, Home‑Care, and Farm Labor
State labor officials have warned that undocumented workers — particularly in restaurants, home‑care, construction, and agriculture — face heightened risks of exploitation due to their lack of legal status. Hochul raised concerns about wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and the need for stronger state enforcement to protect vulnerable workers.
Advocates for immigrant workers say the state must balance enforcement with compassion. “These workers are keeping restaurants open, harvesting crops, and caring for seniors,” one advocate said after the meeting. “They need pathways to legal work, not fear.”
Key Takeaways From the Meeting
Officials summarized several points of agreement and ongoing discussion:
- Work authorization delays remain one of the biggest obstacles for migrants and employers.
- Restaurants and farms are experiencing severe labor shortages that undocumented workers are currently filling.
- Shelter costs continue to strain New York City and require federal support.
- Border enforcement and asylum processing must be addressed together to reduce future surges.
- Worker protections for undocumented laborers remain a priority for the state.
Next Steps
Hochul’s office said the meeting was “productive” and part of a broader effort to engage federal partners on immigration, labor, and public safety. Additional discussions with federal agencies are expected in the coming weeks.
The governor is also preparing to release updated guidance on migrant services and state‑funded workforce programs later this month.
