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Kathy Hochul on Immigration

 

 


Regulate for-profit bond companies focusing on immigrants

S7475: Provides for regulating immigration bail businesses including restrictions on who may operate such a business.

North Star Fund (in favor, Apr 12, 2023): We join in celebrating the Break the Shackles coalition's 2022 victory! The coalition and its allies advocated for and secured passage of the Stop Immigration Bond Abuse Act (SIMBAA) to protect immigrants formerly detained in New York from exploitative for-profit bond companies.

Legislative outcome Passed Senate 48-15-2 on Jun/1/22; Passed Assembly 99-45-6 on Jun/4/22; Signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on Dec/9/22.

Source: North Star Fund on New York State voting records S7475 , Dec 9, 2022

Once opposed driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants

As Erie County clerk, Hochul garnered attention for opposing then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer's proposal to allow undocumented immigrants to apply for driver's licenses without producing a Social Security card. When later asked about the issue, Hochul said her decision at the time was based on what her constituents wanted. "Fast forward to today, I realize that this is something that fits in with my earlier work to ensure the rights of citizenship to everyone who is here," she told the publication.
Source: LoHud Journal News on 2022 New York gubernatorial race , Mar 2, 2021

2007: No drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants

Teachout opened a new front against Cuomo with criticism of his own choice for Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul, who is best known in the state for her 2007 battle against a plan to issue drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants.

Teachout said that in a state that typically focuses on "honoring the dignity of all immigrants" she is "disappointed" in Hochul. She described Hochul as someone "who has not traditionally been a friend of immigrant communities."

Source: Buzzfeed.com blog on 2014 New York State gubernatorial race , Jun 13, 2014

Submit temporary guest worker applications online

America's farms are the best in the world. Our food is safer, higher in quality, and more efficiently grown than that of any other country. The labor and innovation of America's farmers puts food on the tables of not just families here at home, but for hungry people across the world.

As our farmers bring their goods to market in the 21st century economy, they expect to have a 21st century government that will help, not hinder, their business. That's why I call on the Secretary of Labor to allow farmers to submit their H-2A applications for temporary guest workers online.

N.Y. farmers are increasingly relying on this program for the legal labor they need to plant and harvest their crops. This summer, I was absolutely shocked to learn that one of my onion farms in Genesee County had to mail almost 20 pounds of paperwork to the Federal Government in order to participate in this program. There must be a better way. An online application program would save money for our farmers and our taxpayers.

Source: US House press release in 2014 New York State Governor race , Nov 30, 2011

Other governors on Immigration: Kathy Hochul on other issues:
NY Gubernatorial:
Andrew Giuliani
Joe Pinion
Larry Sharpe
Lee Zeldin
Letitia James
Rob Astorino
Tom Suozzi
NY Senatorial:
Antoine Tucker
Charles Schumer
Joe Pinion
Josh Eisen
Kirsten Gillibrand
Mike Sapraicone
Gubernatorial races 2025:
New Jersey Governor:
Virginia Governor:
    Democratic primary June 17 cancelled:
  • Abigail Spanberger, U.S.Rep., VA-7 (2019-2024); Dem. nominee 2025
  • Levar Stoney, VA Secretary of the Commonwealth (2014-2016); (withdrew to run for Lt. Gov.)

    Republican primary June 17 cancelled:
  • Winsome Earle-Sears, Lt. Gov. since 2022; GOP nominee 2025
  • Amanda Chase, State Senate District 11 (2016-2023); failed to make ballot
  • Denver Riggleman, U.S.Rep. (R-VA-5); exploratory committee as Independent
  • Glenn Youngkin, Incumbent Governor , (2022-2025), term-limited
Mayoral races 2025:
NYC Mayor Democratic primary June 24, 2025:
  • Adrienne Adams, speaker of the City Council
  • Andrew Cuomo, former governor of New York, 2011-2021.
    Republican June 24 primary cancelled; general election Nov. 4:
  • Eric Adams, incumbent Democratic mayor running as an independent
  • Jim Walden, Independent; Former assistant U.S. Attorney
  • Curtis Sliwa, Republican; CEO of the Guardian Angels

Jersey City Mayor (Non-partisan)
    Non-partisan general election Nov. 4:
  • Mussab Ali, former president of the Jersey City Board of Education
  • Bill O'Dea, Hudson County commissioner (since 1997)
  • Jim McGreevey, former N.J. Governor (2002-2004)
  • James Solomon, city councilor (since 2017)
  • Joyce Watterman, president of the Jersey City Council (since 2023)

Oakland CA Mayor
    Non-partisan special election April 14, 2025:
  • Barbara Lee, U.S.Rep CA-12 (1998-2025)
  • Loren Taylor, Oakland City Council (2019-2023), lost general election
  • Sheng Thao, Oakland Mayor, lost recall election Nov. 5, 2024
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Page last updated: Jun 23, 2025; copyright 1999-2022 Jesse Gordon and OnTheIssues.org