NYC debit card program will lead to more migration: Councilman

(NewsNation) — While Congress is still battling over a border bill, Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ controversial new plan to give $53 million in prepaid debit cards to migrant families has set off a new fight.

Adams says it will save the city money, but critics such as Councilman Joseph Borelli, a Republican, say handouts will only make the migrant crisis worse.

“Unfortunately, things like this, which make the creature comforts for some of these migrants a little easier and a little better, are only going to lead to more migrants coming to New York City,” Borelli said Monday on “CUOMO.”

The prepaid debit cards will be supplied to an initial 500 migrant families with children to use exclusively to buy food and baby supplies at bodegas, grocery stores, supermarkets and convenience stores.

The prepaid debit cards will be used in place of New York City’s current system of providing nonperishable food boxes to migrant families staying in hotels. The program is being launched as a cost-saving measure, according to Adams’ office.

“Not only will this provide families with the ability to purchase fresh food for their culturally relevant diets and the baby supplies of their choosing, but the pilot program is expected to save New York City more than $600,000 per month, or more than $7.2 million annually,” a statement from the mayor’s office said.

Chris Hahn, a NewsNation contributor and host of the “The Aggressive Progressive” podcast, argues any cost savings are welcome. He also rejected the notion that people would come to America solely for a $1,000 gift card.

“If this is gonna save the city even 10% of what they’re spending right now to feed these families, then let’s give it a try,” he said on “CUOMO.” “It’s not New York City’s job to solve the migrant problem. It is the Congress’ job, and they don’t seem willing to do anything about it. So, the city’s got to take every step it can to feed these people and make them feel a little bit more comfortable while this gets sorted out in Washington.”

Senate negotiators this weekend released the text of a bill that would enhance border security measures as part of more than a $100 billion package that would also send military aid to Ukraine and Israel. Even if it passes in the Senate, House Speaker Mike Johnson said it’s dead on arrival in his Republican-controlled chamber.

In New York City, migrants who receive the prepaid debit cards will be required to sign an affidavit affirming that they will use the cards for their intended purposes, according to the mayor’s office. Anyone who violates the terms risks being removed from the pilot program.

NewsNation affiliate WPIX contributed to this report.