Rumors of undocumented migrants moving into Suffolk County has provoked a silent debate among local business owners, many of whom are wary of taking a public stance.
This reticence is not due to apathy but rather from the complex nature of the issue and the potential implications for the county's economy. The delicate balance between this situation's possible benefits and challenges has made it a hot-button topic cloaked in caution.
Undocumented migration is a multi-faceted issue, and our county is not immune to its complexities. Some business owners see the potential for a boost in local economic activities due to increased consumer demand, and others fear an additional strain on resources, infrastructure, and public services.
However, many business owners preferred to remain off the record when approached for comments. "It is a sensitive subject. I don't want to create an impression that I'm against people coming here for a better life. But yes, I worry about how it might affect my business," said a local restaurant owner, requesting anonymity.
Others voiced concerns about potential labor market changes and fears that the local labor market might be disrupted. If there's a surge in cheap, unregulated labor, it could undercut wages and job security for everyone else.
While some anticipate economic benefits, an off-the-record cosmetologist suggested, "More people could mean more customers. Plus, diversity often brings fresh perspectives, spurring innovation and growth."
Suffolk County resident and paralegal Ellen K. Cheung DiDomenico shared her insights on the issue and its potential impact on the local community. She expressed her concerns and frustrations regarding the policy choices made by officials in New York City, which can directly affect Suffolk, turning it into a de facto border county despite its distance from the southern border.
Cheung called upon the Mayor of New York City to take responsibility for the consequences of these policies and allocate the necessary funds and resources to address the challenges. As someone who immigrated legally with her family at a young age, she emphasized the importance of following the proper immigration process and the need for others to do the same.
"I believe that illegal immigration undermines the system's integrity and discourages those patiently waiting to come to the United States legally," she stated. Reflecting on a recent press conference she attended, she felt that the media did not accurately convey her message.
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Expressing her opposition to granting the right to vote to illegal immigrants, she said: "Voting is a privilege reserved for citizens." She emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral system and preventing potential exploitation or manipulation.
When asked about the reluctance of some individuals to openly discuss the issue due to fears of being canceled or black-listed by advocates of open immigration, she expressed frustration over the lack of open dialogue and the suppression of differing opinions, calling for a more inclusive and respectful exchange of ideas.
According to political science professor Nicholas Giordano, "New York, especially Long Island, is ill-prepared to handle the surge of migrants and illegal immigrants. We faced difficulties in 2014 when dealing with a surge of child migrants, but the current wave is much larger and more widespread."
Giordano raises an important question: "At what point do we prioritize the well-being of American citizens and legal permanent residents? Many families are already struggling financially, and we are witnessing a rise in homelessness. Yet, estimates suggest that it will cost taxpayers between $90 to $180 billion to provide shelter, food, education, and healthcare to those entering the country, many of whom are doing so illegally."
Highlighting the strain on the education system, Giordano emphasizes, "In New York State, we spend an average of $25,000 per student annually. Our schools are already grappling with the consequences of the pandemic, with students experiencing significant learning loss and social isolation. Introducing thousands of new students, many of whom are academically behind and face language barriers, will only further burden our education system, which lacks the necessary resources to meet these demands."
One thing is certain: Suffolk County is on the precipice of change. As the debate continues, its outcome will be closely watched by other counties across the nation grappling with similar concerns.