In a surprising turn of events, former President Bill Clinton has joined forces with New York Governor Kathy Hochul in advocating for significant modifications to New York City’s long-standing “Right to Shelter Law.”

According to reports from Fox News, during an interview with radio host John Catsimatidis on 77 WABC radio’s “The Cats Roundtable” show, Clinton expressed his belief that the law, which mandates shelter for the homeless, should be revised given the current circumstances.

“Gov. [Kathy] Hochul thinks it should be modified, and it probably should under the circumstances,” Clinton remarked, acknowledging the need for change. He went on to assert that the existing law is fundamentally flawed, stating, “It’s broken. We need to fix it. It doesn’t make any sense.”

The “Right to Shelter Law” has been a fixture of New York City for over four decades and is aimed at ensuring that the homeless population has access to shelter. Moreover, New York City is often referred to as a sanctuary city, welcoming migrants and providing them with certain protections.

However, Clinton pointed out a specific concern related to this policy. He expressed his view that the city’s obligation to provide shelter extends to individuals who may not have work permits for up to six months after their arrival, raising questions about its practicality.

Furthermore, Clinton argued that migrants should have the opportunity to begin “paying their way” into American society through gainful employment and self-sufficiency.

“They ought to work,” Clinton asserted, emphasizing the importance of migrants entering the workforce, paying taxes, and supporting themselves economically. He noted that many migrants have no desire to rely on welfare assistance.

In addition to addressing the “Right to Shelter Law,” Clinton emphasized the role of immigrants in shoring up the American economy due to the nation’s low birth rate. He suggested that the United States should consider constructing more housing options near the border with Mexico to accommodate migrants, with the support of the Mexican government.

This approach, according to Clinton, would allow individuals to reside near the border while awaiting opportunities to find work and contribute positively to American society.

Clinton also acknowledged the political ramifications of the ongoing immigration crisis, acknowledging that it has been advantageous for Republicans. He attributed this to the inadequacies in the immigration system and a lack of sufficient border facilities.

The former president concluded by addressing the recent political losses suffered by Democrats in New York, attributing them in part to the perceived mishandling of the immigration issue. He stressed the need for his party to adopt a more “commonsense approach” to the challenges posed by migration.

The alignment of views between former President Bill Clinton and Governor Kathy Hochul on the need for changes to the “Right to Shelter Law” highlights the complexities and evolving dynamics surrounding immigration policy in the United States, particularly in major metropolitan areas like New York City.