Fact Check: HAPPENING NOW: Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul announces she will be using $50 million to fund lawyers for ILLEGAL aliens, all using New Yorkers' taxpayer dollars.

Fact-Check: Kathy Hochul's $50 Million Funding for Immigrant Legal Services

What We Know

The claim that Governor Kathy Hochul announced she will be using $50 million to fund lawyers for "illegal aliens" is based on her recent statements regarding state funding for immigrant legal services. On June 18, 2025, during a press conference, Hochul stated that New York would provide $50 million to cover legal services for immigrants facing legal challenges, emphasizing that these individuals often lack legal representation (AOL, New York Post).

However, it's important to note that this funding was not a new allocation; it was part of the state budget that had already been approved. The total budget for immigrant legal aid is actually $64.2 million, which includes the $50 million Hochul referenced (New York Post, WNY News Now). Furthermore, the funding was initially announced and secured in May 2025, prior to the press conference (WNY News Now).

Analysis

The assertion that Hochul is allocating $50 million specifically for "illegal aliens" is somewhat misleading. While it is true that the funding is intended to assist undocumented immigrants, the term "illegal aliens" is contentious and often used in a politically charged context (TV503). The funding is aimed at providing legal representation to those who may be facing deportation or other legal issues, which is a broader category than simply referring to them as "illegal aliens."

Moreover, Hochul's comments were made in the context of defending the rights of immigrants, particularly following the detention of City Comptroller Brad Lander by ICE. This incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by immigrants in the legal system, which Hochul was addressing (New York Post, AOL).

The source of the claim, Elise Stefanik, a Republican congresswoman, has been vocal in her criticism of Hochul's policies, framing them as prioritizing undocumented immigrants over New Yorkers. Her statements reflect a partisan perspective that may influence the framing of the issue (Stefanik's Interview).

In evaluating the reliability of the sources, while Stefanik's comments provide insight into the political opposition to Hochul's policies, they may also carry a bias against her administration. Conversely, news outlets like the New York Post and AOL provide a more neutral reporting of the facts surrounding the funding announcement.

Conclusion

The claim that Governor Kathy Hochul is using $50 million to fund lawyers for "illegal aliens" is Partially True. While she did announce funding for legal services aimed at immigrants, including undocumented individuals, the figure cited was part of a larger budget already in place and not a new initiative. Additionally, the terminology used in the claim is politically charged and may not accurately reflect the intent of the funding, which is to provide legal representation rather than to prioritize undocumented individuals over citizens.

Sources

1. ICYMI: Stefanik Joined Cats & Cosby with John Catsimatidis ...
2. Gov. Hochul touts already announced state spending on ...
3. Hochul touts state spending on legal services for migrants ...
4. A Sorry Day for New York’: Hochul Responds to Lander Arrest ...
5. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Allocates $50M in Taxpayer ...
6. New Yorkers Furious as Democrats Allocate $4.3 Billion for ...
7. Hochul promises ‘fight’ over immigration, but has little to ...
8. Gov. Hochul Pledges $50 Million in Legal Aid for Migrants