Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul on Meeting With White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and Senior Advisor and Assistant to President Biden Tom Perez

“I had a very productive meeting with White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and Senior Advisor Tom Perez today. They reported that, as a result of the October announcement of repatriation flights to Venezuela, there has been a decline in Venezuelans crossing the Southern Border. I thanked the White House for increasing federal staff on the ground in New York City, and reiterated our request for additional personnel, more funding to help cover the costs of this crisis, and enhanced security at both the Northern and Southern borders in light of the recent terrorist attacks in Israel and increased threats worldwide.

“I committed my support for President Biden's $4 billion supplemental request from Congress, which includes expanded decompression at the Southern border as well as funding for states like New York. I reported to the White House on our efforts to identify Venezuelans in New York who are eligible now for Temporary Protective Status. New York has identified 30,000 jobs from employers, and we are continuing to assist eligible individuals in securing work authorization. I also received a briefing on the President's upcoming trip to Israel and discussed my shared objectives in visiting, offering support for the Israeli people, bearing witness, and determining what other aid New York can provide.”