New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ initiative to provide debit cards pre-loaded with funds to migrants is reportedly attracting more asylum seekers to the city, according to city council members.
Vickie Paladino, a Republican representative from Northeast Queens, argues that providing funds to asylum seekers through debit cards has created an enticing incentive for migrants to come to the city.
“We often hear from the migrants themselves that they are coming to New York because they believe they will receive welfare benefits,” she explained to Fox News. “They view this as a source of untraceable, free money being distributed to individuals who do not have a rightful claim to it.”
The controversial program, which began last week, has faced increasing criticism. Paladino’s comments have added to the growing backlash. In the initial round of disbursements, approximately 115 families received their pre-loaded debit cards.
The program, in collaboration with Adams and Mobility Capital Finance, aims to provide financial assistance to approximately 500 migrant families. Through this initiative, migrants will receive up to $1,000 per month to help cover essential expenses such as food, baby supplies, and other necessities while they await work authorization from the federal government.
The pilot program, according to the Adams administration, is being touted as a “cost savings measure” that aims to temporarily replace New York City’s current method of supplying non-perishable food boxes to migrant families residing in hotels and other shelters funded by the city. The estimated monthly cost of the program is approximately $600,000, as stated by the Adams administration.
According to published news reports, a family of four with children under five years old could receive up to $350 per week using the debit cards, which amounts to approximately $18,200 per year.
Over the past year, New York City has witnessed an unprecedented surge in immigration along the U.S.-Mexico border, with more than 183,000 asylum seekers arriving. In response to this influx, the city has allocated over $1 billion to provide support and assistance to tens of thousands of migrants. Looking ahead, it is projected that the city will spend approximately $10 billion on migrant-related expenses in the coming years.
According to Council member Joseph Borelli, the use of debit cards is unjust for the working poor in the city, as they do not receive similar benefits from the government.
According to Borelli, New Yorkers feel frustrated when they witness migrants receiving free debit cards while they themselves have to pay a $15 toll to enter Manhattan. Borelli made this statement in reference to New York City’s recently implemented congestion pricing toll.
According to Paladino, she has received feedback from her constituents expressing their frustration with the influx of migrants into New York City. These individuals are increasingly concerned about the rise in crime that they attribute to the new arrivals.
According to a statement made to Fox News, there has been a significant rise in crimes that can be attributed to migrants. The situation has been described as becoming increasingly similar to that of a third-world country.
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