A recent poll conducted by Siena College has found that nearly two-thirds of New Yorkers blame President Biden for the ongoing migrant crisis, with over half expressing concerns about its potential impact on New York City. The poll highlights a range of worries surrounding national security, financial implications, and other related issues within the Empire State.

According to the poll released on Tuesday, 64% of New Yorkers disapprove of President Biden's handling of the recent influx of migrants into the state. Notably, even 48% of Democrats found fault with the President's approach, along with 91% of Republicans and 72% of independents. Respondents also criticized the efforts of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, with 46% expressing disapproval of his actions, compared to only 30% who approve. New York Governor Kathy Hochul fared slightly better, but still faced disapproval from 52% of respondents, while 37% approved of her handling of the crisis.

The influx of migrants in New York remains a prominent concern for voters, with 84% of respondents considering it a serious problem for the state. A staggering 57% view it as a "very serious" issue. Pollster Steven Greenberg noted, "Seldom do we see an issue where at least 79% of Democrats, Republicans, independents, men, women, upstaters, downstaters, Blacks, Whites, Latinos, Catholics, Jews, and Protestants all agree - that the migrant influx is a serious problem."

According to the poll, a significant majority of voters - by a margin of 35 points - believe that New Yorkers must work to slow the flow of migrants rather than accepting and assimilating them. This sentiment is shared by 82% of Republicans, 68% of independents, and 52% of Democrats. The concern is prevalent both among residents of downstate and upstate New York, indicating a broad consensus on the issue.

While a plurality of New Yorkers disapprove of Mayor Adams' handling of the migrant influx, a majority - comprising 58% of respondents - agree with his statement that "this issue will destroy New York City." The agreement cuts across racial lines, with majorities of White (60%), Black (57%), and Latino (51%) voters all expressing similar sentiments, according to Greenberg.

Despite being a "true blue state," where 49% of voters are enrolled as Democrats compared to 23% registered as Republicans, President Biden's favorability and job approval ratings in New York have reached their lowest point. The poll also indicates that 52% of Democrats would prefer a different presidential nominee in 2024. In a hypothetical general election matchup, Biden leads former President Donald Trump by a narrower margin of 46% to 37%. The lead further diminishes to just seven points when alternative candidates like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Cornell West are included on the ballot.

As of October 16, more than 126,700 migrants have arrived in New York City since last spring, with over 64,100 individuals still under the city's care. The influx of migrants has presented a dual crisis for New York City, compounded by the ongoing conflict in Israel. While the NYPD has increased patrols, Mayor Adams stated that there has been no credible threat so far.

Mayor Adams' relationship with President Biden has strained in recent months due to the mayor's calls for additional and timely support from federal authorities in handling the migrant crisis. While Adams did not meet with Biden during the president's visit to New York City for the United Nations General Assembly, Governor Hochul did have a meeting with Biden, securing a deal to expedite work authorization for Venezuelans.

Hochul's efforts have seemingly facilitated Adams' controversial strategy of relocating migrants across the state by identifying tens of thousands of eligible jobs in various counties. Additionally, the city plans to open a migrant shelter at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn in the coming weeks. The facility aims to provide approximately 500 families with children seeking asylum a semi-congregate setting, with privacy dividers and locks installed.

The poll results underscore the deep concerns of New Yorkers regarding the migrant crisis and its potential implications for the city's future. As public sentiment remains critical, it remains to be seen how President Biden and local officials will address these concerns and restore public confidence.