NJ Gov. Phil Murphy balks at welcoming huge waves of migrants to his 'sanctuary state'

Gov. Phil Murphy famously pledged in his first campaign to make New Jersey a sanctuary state. He's signed legislation making it cheaper for immigrants -- here with authorization or not -- to go to college. His administration is still fighting to end ICE detention in the state, and created a fund for immigrants and others shut out of federal pandemic aid.

But when asked just a few weeks ago about a Biden administration proposal to redirect dozens of thousands of migrants arriving in New York City to federal sites including the Atlantic City Airport, Murphy balked: “I don't see any scenario where we're going to be able to take in a program in Atlantic City or frankly elsewhere in the state," he told News 12 New Jersey. "We are already seeing folks in New Jersey that have probably swelled into Jersey from New York City or from other locations, but you need scale, enormous amount of federal support — resources that go beyond anything that we can afford — putting everything else aside.”

And Atlantic City area officials from both parties have come out against the proposal.

On "Ask Governor Murphy" Wednesday night at 7 p.m., Nancy Solomon will ask the governor how New Jersey can live up to the lofty, welcoming ideals he's articulated, if it can't make space for these migrants?

She'll also ask Murphy about his newly selected lieutenant governor, Tahesha Way, and about veterans homes the feds stay are still endangering their residents with poor healthcare.

We’ll take your calls as well.

Tell us what you'd like us to Ask Gov. Murphy by using this Google form, or tweet during the show using #AskGovMurphy. And you can call (844) 745-TALK -- that's (844) 745-8255 -- during the show to join us live on air.

Listen live here on WNYC.org or on the radio at 93.9 FM