A judge has ruled that New York City can’t use a two-century-old “anti-pauper” law to block the state of Texas from offering migrants free bus rides to the city.

Summary

A New York judge dismissed Mayor Eric Adams’ lawsuit aimed at blocking Texas from sending migrants to NYC via charter buses, ruling that an 1817 anti-pauper law invoked by Adams was unconstitutional.

The court affirmed migrants’ right to interstate travel, rejecting efforts to screen passengers based on economic status.

Texas began bussing migrants to cities like NYC in 2022, escalating tensions over federal immigration policy.

Although NYC claimed the lawsuit reduced bus arrivals, officials are exploring further legal actions to address the financial strain on city resources.

  • catloaf@lemm.eeEnglish
    31·
    12 days ago

    Justice Mary Rosado said in a sternly worded decision that the law is unconstitutional for several reasons. For one, she wrote, states are not permitted to regulate the interstate transportation of people based on their economic status. The statute also “violates a fundamental right — the right to travel,” she added.

    Okay, but we’re not talking about people with informed consent here. Texas has been misleading or lying to people to get them on these buses.