New York state is prepared to welcome refugees from Ukraine as the Russian invasion is expected to lead to a humanitarian crisis displacing thousands of people, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Thursday evening.
The state is in contact with President Joe Biden's administration about the potential of welcoming refugees to New York, home to the largest Ukrainian population in the country.
"Our prayers are with the Ukrainian people, including those in New York who are scared for their family and loved ones," she said. "Just as the Statue of Liberty stands tall in our harbor, New York stands ready to welcome Ukrainian refugees. We remain engaged with the Biden Administration and we will be prepared to accept and support those who seek shelter in our state."
In December, Hochul announced a $2 million pot of money from state and federal sources would be made available for refugees from Afghanistan. It's not clear how many Ukrainian citizens New York is prepared to take in, or how a program would unfold as events rapidly play out in the country.
At the time, Hochul announced services would be provided for nearly 1,800 people displaced by the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan.
In her statement, the governor condemned the invasion as "unjustified violence."
"Like millions across the globe, New Yorkers are watching the situation in Ukraine with fear and outrage," Hochul said.
Preparing for an influx of refugees is just one step state officials have taken in response to the crisis. On Thursday, state Sen. Elijah Reichlin-Melnick called for New York to divest from Russian business interests and cut off state contracts from companies that do business with Russia.