Judge says New York can’t use two-century-old law to block migrant buses from Texas

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy New York City can't use an unconstitutional, two-century-old “anti-pauper” law to block the state of Texas from offering migrants free bus rides to the city from the southern border, a state judge has ruled. The judge concluded by saying that if city officials want to do something, they should turn to Congress rather than ask the court to enforce “an antiquated, unconstitutional statute to infringe on an individual's right to enter New York based on economic status.” open image in gallery Asylum seekers arrive at the Roosevelt Hotel on Friday, May 19, 2023, in New York Starting in 2022, the state of Texas began offering migrants free bus rides to cities with Democratic mayors. At the time, Adams, a Democrat, said the trips were illegal and amounted to “political ploys from the state of Texas.” It would have been difficult for New York City to sue Texas due to a legal doctrine known as sovereign immunity, so it went after the private charter companies instead. “We are reviewing our legal options to address the costs shifted to New York City as a result of the Texas busing scheme,” mayoral spokesperson Liz Garcia said in a statement.