BINGHAMTON – State Senator Tom Libous is voicing opposition to proposed legislation that would allow illegal immigrants the right to vote and hold office in New York State.
The piece of legislation (S.7897), sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-33rd District) and backed by many Democrats in the state senate, enacts the “New York is Home Act” to establish state citizenship, regardless of immigration status. It would also provide certain rights and benefits to people with such citizenship, including a right to vote, serve on a jury, hold a professional licence, and hold public office.
“We should be focusing on creating jobs and opportunity for hardworking families,” said Senator Libous in a statement. “The Senate Democrats are focused on handing individuals here illegally the right to vote and hold office. It’s clear what their priorities are … and it isn’t our hardworking taxpayers.”
Given state citizenship, immigrants would also be eligible for welfare benefits, which Libous argues would drive up property and state taxes.
Said Libous, “It’s irresponsible to reward illegal immigrants at the expense of our middle-class families. I simply can’t support it, and I know the people of the Southern Tier feel the same way.”