On Friday July 19, a federal court dismissed a lawsuit challenging Orange County Executive Neuhaus’ executive order prohibiting hotels from becoming illegal shelters for New York City.

“My fundamental role as County Executive is to protect our residents,” said Neuhaus. “This includes stopping New York City from establishing shelters in Orange County.”

Back in May and June of 2023, Neuhaus issued executive orders in response to New York City’s busing plan to provide “temporary housing options for asylum seekers” in Orange County and other upstate communities. The executive orders essentially prohibited New York City from illegally using Orange County hotels as temporary housing shelters for people who wanted to be out of the city.

These executive orders were challenged last year by the NYCLU, which alleged that the orders were discriminatory. The federal court has now dismissed that lawsuit, finding that the revised language in the executive orders was not discriminatory. County Attorney Richard Golden noted “the Court’s dismissal of this lawsuit is an important decision and effectively allows the County to continue to prevent New York City from shifting its temporary housing problems onto Orange County.”

The executive orders remain in effect today and will continue going forward.

In a previous related lawsuit brought by County Executive Neuhaus against New York City, he obtained a preliminary injunction preventing New York City from establishing illegal shelters in Orange County. That injunction also remains in effect.