New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently defended a controversial pilot program allocating $53 million to distribute pre-paid credit cards to illegal immigrants staying in hotels.
The initiative aims to replace food delivery services for illegal immigrants with cards worth $12 per day, allowing recipients to purchase their own food. Adams emphasized the program’s cost-effectiveness, projecting annual savings of $6.7 million if successful, Fox News Digital reports.
He outlined plans for potential expansion beyond illegal immigrants and asylum seekers to address broader challenges effectively.
NYC launches $53M program to hand out pre-paid credit cards to migrant families
Mayor Eric Adams’ administration will soon start handing out pre-paid credit cards to migrant families being put up in Big Apple hotels, The Post has learned.
The $53 million pilot program, run by… pic.twitter.com/lwqF56m5ja— SANTINO (@MichaelSCollura) February 3, 2024
During a state legislative budget hearing, Adams clarified misconceptions, stating, “We’re not giving people American Express cards. We found that the food delivery service that we set up during the emergency – we could find a better way to do it in our belief that we want to cut 20% of the migrant costs. So we have a pilot project with 500 people that we are giving them food cards, so instead of a debit card, instead of having to deliver food, and have people eat food – we were seeing wasting food – they’re now able to get their own food, that is going to be spent $12 a day.”
He stated that there were inefficiencies with previous food delivery systems and emphasized the program’s goal of reducing costs while ensuring illegal immigrants’ access to essential resources.
The mayor’s proposal coincides with efforts to address the surge in New York City’s shelter population, which has tripled under his tenure.
NEW: Rapper 50 Cent says ‘maybe Trump is the answer’ as he blasts NY Mayor Eric Adams for the ongoing migrant crisis.
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The comment from 50 Cent came in response to New York’s new credit card program for illegal immigrants.
“WTF mayor Adams call my phone, I don’t… pic.twitter.com/luf1szGxq9
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 3, 2024
Under the pilot program, illegals would receive approximately $350 monthly for food and baby supplies, exceeding benefits provided to low-income New Yorkers under SNAP. This initiative reflects a significant investment, offering illegals 40% more than what low-income residents receive under SNAP. Additionally, the program’s allocation surpasses monthly benefits for single veterans, raising questions about equity and allocation of resources.
Adams’ budgetary request comes amidst projections that New York City will spend over $10.6 billion on migrant services by summer 2025. While New York state has pledged approximately $2 billion in the current budget cycle, Adams urged the state to cover 50% of the city’s illegal immigrant costs. However, Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed allocation falls short, prompting concerns about inadequate funding to address the migrant crisis effectively.
Critics have voiced skepticism and concerns about the program’s sustainability and allocation of resources. Rapper 50 Cent notably questioned the initiative, suggesting it as a reason for political disillusionment. The controversy underscores broader debates surrounding immigration policy, social welfare, and governmental responses to crises.
Amidst the debate, Adams emphasized the need for innovative solutions to manage the migrant crisis efficiently. “And if the pilot turns out to be successful, then we’re going to expand it not only with the migrants and asylum seekers, we’d look to do that expansion throughout the entire system – trying to find smarter, more cost-effective ways to deal with this crisis that was dropped in our lap.
