NYC Mayor Eric Adams addressed concerns and clarified details regarding a pilot program aimed at assisting migrant families in New York City. This initiative, announced earlier in the month, involves a partnership with Mobility Capital Finance to provide reloadable prepaid credit cards to migrant families for purchasing food and supplies. While similar prepaid cards are utilized by federally funded programs like SNAP and WIC, there have been misconceptions about the specifics of the NYC migrant benefits program.
Initial reports suggested that the program could cost the city upwards of $53 million. However, Mayor Adams emphasized during a live interview with FOX 5 NY that each migrant would receive approximately $13 per day, contrary to earlier reports of an automatic $1,000 allocation. Amidst concerns over the influx of migrants, there have been criticisms labeling the program as providing unregulated assistance to foreigners at the expense of struggling Americans.
Clarifications were made regarding the nature of the prepaid cards, specifying that they are not credit cards but rather debit cards for purchasing designated goods at various retailers including bodegas, grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores. The program aims to replace non-perishable food boxes provided to migrant families residing in hotels like the Roosevelt.
According to Kayla Mamelak, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams, each card will be loaded with approximately $12.52 per person daily for a period of 28 days. Mayor Adams highlighted the cost-saving aspect of the program, estimating savings of $600,000 per month and $7.2 million annually. The initiative is initially targeted at 500 migrant families with children already accommodated in short-term hotels, with plans for potential expansion if successful.
Officials underscored that the cards are subject to restrictions and can only be used at specified retailers, with the intent to stimulate the local economy. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of curbing abuse of the program, stating that cards would be revoked if misused. The broader migrant crisis remains a significant concern for NYC, with projected costs for migrant care expected to reach $12 billion over the next three years.
In addressing the larger immigration issue, Mayor Adams called for bipartisan efforts toward real and comprehensive immigration reform. However, he noted a lack of recent communication with President Biden regarding the migrant crisis. Despite the challenges, the pilot program represents a step towards providing immediate relief to migrant families while working towards long-term solutions.