As New York City begins sending migrants to upstate counties, county executives are preparing, and in some ways doing so by declaring a state of emergency.
Saratoga and Fulton counties announced a state of emergencies this week.
but not all municipalities are exiling refugee's from their communities.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan says the city will welcome asylum seekers to the capital region with open arms. “We're working with the governor's office to determine what capacity we have and how we can manage to ensure we're providing an opportunity for these individuals."
Fulton County's declaration states they don't have the resources to humanely house or provide social support services to those seeking refuge in New York.
Mayor Sheehan directly called out counties for the bans on migrants.
"I was shocked that Saratoga County actually referred to them as illegal. These are people who are here legally,” she said.
Immigration attorney Barbra Brenner says there are very specific requirements individuals must meet in order to receive asylum.
"Asylum is not a blanket benefit for everyone coming from a country where there are terrible conditions, asylum is an individualized benefit based on an individual fear of persecution or someone who has experienced past persecution,” she said.
Sheehan added it’s about helping those in need," so, we can argue about the policy, but we should not be stigmatizing these individuals who are here legally seeking sanctuary in our country."
Both counties declare state individuals could face penalties in court.
Both declarations last five days and can be extended after that.