Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker (D.) sent a letter to President Joe Biden calling the migrant crisis in his state “untenable” and slamming the president for his lack of help.
“Unfortunately, the welcome and aid Illinois has been providing to these asylum seekers has not been matched with support by the federal government,” Pritzker wrote on Monday. “Most critically, the federal government’s lack of intervention and coordination at the border has created an untenable situation for Illinois.”
Pritzker asked the federal government to centralize coordination of border management and take greater accountability for overseeing where migrants go once Customs and Border Protection authorities release them into the country. He also requested that the federal government eliminate fees for temporary protected status applications and expedite work permits for migrants.
Pritzker also attacked Republican politicians who have been sending busloads of migrants to Illinois and other blue states.
“For my state which has been targeted with busloads of asylum seekers by the border politicians seeking to increase the partisan divide, this crisis has strained the already stretched human services network we have attempted to rebuild in our recovery from the pandemic,” Pritzker wrote.
Pritzker’s letter represents a shift in his previously welcoming attitude toward migrants. In 2021, he signed an executive order to make Illinois the “most welcoming state in the nation,” requiring local officials to end partnerships with Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities.
“Throughout my governorship I’ve directed my administration to adopt policies that make Illinois a welcoming state for immigrants, and I’m proud to sign these accountability measures into law to advance our cause,” the governor said in a press release announcing the order.
Pritzker is not the only Democrat to shift away from a previously welcoming attitude toward illegal immigrants. The day before Pritzker sent his letter, New York governor Kathy Hochul called for securing the border and quadrupling the number of Border Patrol positions.
Hochul in 2021 told migrants that “you’re welcome with open arms, and we’ll work to keep you safe.”
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