Liberal New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently championed his move to give illegal immigrants in his city pre-paid credit cards. During a press conference last week, the mayor boasted the decision as a “real win” for the struggling city and a “smart way to bring the down the cost” associated with the unfettered inflow of migrants into the Big Apple.
Adams further defended his initiative to subsidize migrants, claiming that it would result in less food waste while saving the city money through recycling back to local businesses. According to the Democratic mayor, the move has also improved New York City’s housing predicament as rent costs have sky-rocketed amid historically high inflation.
The details of the cash stipend for the illegal immigrants varies depending on factors such as the size of their family and current levels of income. Reports suggest that a family of four could be provided up to $1,000 each month when their prepaid cards are replenished.
Americans have continually voiced their frustration with many Democrat-led migrant initiatives, criticizing the policies for allegedly incentivizing illegal immigration. Conservatives have claimed that offering migrants various benefits, such as health care, cash, free housing, etc., is not a proper solution to the border crisis.
Millions of illegal immigrants have crossed the border under the Biden administration, straining the resources of border towns and sanctuary cities across the American interior. Specifically, New York City’s migrant population has exploded in recent years where the city is struggling to mitigate issues related to housing, budget cuts, and more.
Watch Mayor Adams defend the move here:
The American Tribune has extensively covered Mayor Adams’ comments about his city’s struggle with the influx of migrants. Adams recently called for the city to revisit policies surrounding its sanctuary city status. “We need to modify the sanctuary city law that if you commit a felony or violent act, we should be able to turn you over to ICE and have you deported.”
Last year, Adams emphasized how dire the situation was becoming for his city, going as far as saying the migrant crisis could even “destroy” New York City. “Let me tell you something, New Yorkers. Never in my life have I had a problem that I did not see an ending to. I don’t see an ending to this. This issue will destroy New York City. Destroy New York City.” Adams said.“I don’t believe people who are violent in our city and commit repeated crimes should have the privilege of being in our city. You don’t have the right to be in our city and tarnish the overwhelming number who are here following the rules. I want to go back to the standards of the previous mayors who, I believe, subscribed to my belief that people who are suspected of committing serious crimes in this city should be held accountable.”
This sentiment dramatically differs from the attitude Adams outwardly expressed toward migrants just several years ago. “We should protect our immigrants. Period. New York City will remain a sanctuary city under an Adams administration,” the mayor previously stated.
Featured image credit: Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and MTA Chair & CEO Janno Lieber announce a Subway Safety Plan at Fulton Transit Center on Fri., February 18, 2022…(Marc A. Hermann / MTA)
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