New York immigrant advocate to Abbott: Go back to Texas

A prominent New York City immigrant advocate on Thursday criticized a visit to the city by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), who is in town to headline the local Republican Party’s annual gala.

Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, said Abbott is “not welcome” on account of his hard-line immigration policies.

“Greg Abbott is a racist bigot who has callously bussed asylum seekers across the country for cheap political points. His sheer lack of humanity towards asylum seekers is unacceptable and there is no place for his hatred in New York,” Awawdeh said in a statement.

Abbott has gained national prominence in large part through his Operation Lone Star, a series of policies designed to put immigration enforcement — generally recognized as a federal jurisdiction — in the state’s hands.

He also spearheaded the hawkish state immigration law S.B. 4, which was blocked by federal courts and is currently under litigation in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

Immigrant and civil rights advocates have been sharply critical of Abbott — considered a potential vice presidential pick for former President Trump — and the Texas governor has leaned into his image as an uncompromising immigration hawk.

The Hill has reached out to Abbott’s office for comment.

Awawdeh said Abbott’s overtly political use of immigration is incompatible with New York City’s immigrant history.

“We are a city shaped by our immigrant heritage and proudly serve as a beacon of hope to those in search of safety and stability. Our city will continue to uphold that legacy as we welcome new arrivals and hold our own elected officials accountable for meeting the needs of our newest neighbors,” he said.

“While Greg Abbott fundraises in Midtown by spewing extremism and hatred, we want to make it clear: you are not welcome here.”