New York state could generate billions of dollars in new economic benefits if it provides all asylum-seekers, migrants and others facing possible deportation with their own lawyer, according to a new report from New York City’s comptroller.
Comptroller Brad Lander, a Democrat, said the move would prevent the deportation of up to 53,000 people statewide, resulting in an “estimated net benefit of $8.4 billion for the federal, state, and local governments” — based on projected new tax revenues over 30 years, minus outlays for services.
“Access to work authorization leads to higher wages,” the comptroller’s report said. “The higher earning power generates more tax revenue. Higher personal income also benefits the economy through increased consumer spending.”
The findings come as New York City grapples with an influx of some 180,000 migrants — most of whom are asylum-seekers — that began arriving nearly two years ago. The city’s Independent Budget Office estimated earlier this month that the cost of sheltering and caring for the new arrivals would reach $10.5 billion by June 2025.
While Lander’s report did not include an estimate for the cost of providing the legal help, one of its footnotes referenced talking points by the Campaign for Access, Representation, and Equity (CARE) for Immigrant Families, which put the tab at $150 million in fiscal year 2025.
If you get people the ability to work, we don’t have to worry about the cost of housing or other services to the state.
The CARE website describes itself as a “broad coalition of elected officials, advocacy organizations, and impacted families” backing state legislation guaranteeing legal representation to immigrants at risk of deportation. Lander endorsed the Access to Representation Act, which has been introduced in the state Assembly and Senate.
State Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, a Queens Democrat and sponsor of the legislation, said the…
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