State Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-47, Rome, recently released a statement regarding a recent news article highlighting U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s plan to send undocumented immigrants from New York City to upstate communities.

“There she goes again. After trying to steal a federal judgeship from Utica and the Mohawk Valley, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is again not paying attention to the needs and concerns of the upstate communities she supposedly represents in Congress,” said Griffo in the statement.

The senator said he recognizes the role played by migrant workers who have come to the U.S. in accordance with established immigration protocols and the effect that they have on the state’s agriculture industry.

Additionally, he said upstate communities have demonstrated a willingness and interest in welcoming and integrating legal refugees and immigrants.

“However, Sen. Gillibrand’s proposal to ship immigrants who have crossed the border illegally to these communities is disingenuous,” Griffo said. “Let’s call it was it really is: A political ploy by an individual who is more concerned about her political future than the futures of upstate communities.”

The senator continued, “Longstanding immigration issues that have challenged many administrations and Congresses must be addressed at the federal level. Sen. Gillibrand and her colleagues are in a position to create policies to remedy this problem. It’s time for Sen. Gillibrand to do her job and resolve these issues as opposed to forcing already struggling communities to deal with another challenge.” 

When reaching out to Gillibrand’s office, an aide to the U.S. senator declined to comment on the Griffo’s statement noting that it “was riddled with inaccuracies and mischaracterizations.”