A recent poll conducted by Siena College has revealed that almost two-thirds of New Yorkers hold President Biden responsible for the migrant crisis, which has been a cause of concern in the state. The poll, released on Tuesday, showed that 64% of New Yorkers disapprove of President Biden’s handling of the migrant influx in the state as of October. Surprisingly, this disapproval includes 48% of Democrats, along with 91% of Republicans and 72% of independents. Additionally, the poll found that 46% of New Yorkers disapprove, while only 30% approve of how New York City Mayor Eric Adams is addressing the migrant issue. As for New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the poll showed 52% disapproval and 37% approval.
The migrant crisis continues to be a significant concern for voters in New York, with 84% considering it a serious issue and 57% seeing it as very serious. What’s remarkable is that on this particular issue, there’s broad agreement across the political spectrum and different demographics, with 79% of Democrats, Republicans, independents, men, women, upstate, and downstate residents all concurring that the migrant influx is a serious problem. Moreover, a growing majority of New Yorkers, by a significant 35-point margin, now believe that the state should work to slow the flow of migrants rather than accepting and assimilating them.
While Mayor Eric Adams has garnered some disapproval regarding his handling of the migrant crisis, 58% of New Yorkers, including a narrow majority of Democrats, agree with his statement that the issue could “destroy New York City.” This sentiment is shared by a majority of White (60%), Black (57%), and Latino (51%) voters.
Despite New York being a traditionally Democratic state, there’s a noteworthy level of disapproval for President Biden, especially when it comes to the migrant crisis. Biden’s favorability and job approval ratings in New York are at their worst, and this raises concerns for his prospects. In a hypothetical 2024 matchup, Biden only leads Trump by a 46%-37% margin, a significant drop from his 61%-38% victory in 2020. Biden’s lead narrows to just seven points when alternative candidates like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Cornell West are added to the ballot, as they collectively win support from nearly 20% of voters.
In summary, the migrant crisis remains a contentious issue in New York, and President Biden is receiving significant blame for it, even from within his own party. This situation has raised concerns about national security and other factors among the people of New York.