The Immediate Response Card pilot program, initiated by Mayor Adams, is designed to provide asylum-seeking families with approximately $350 per month via a prepaid debit card. The program, which is expected to cost the city $53 million, is intended to allow the beneficiaries to purchase food and baby supplies exclusively.
However, in the wake of a significant increase in illegal immigration over the past two years, Representative Lance Gooden, a Republican from Texas, has spearheaded a letter to Mayor Adams, criticizing the program as "a free handout to foreign nationals who illegally circumvented our immigration processes."
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The letter from Gooden states, "Not only does this plan fail to address the underlying source of New York’s surging immigrant population, but it further incentivizes the arrival of illegal aliens who will feel justified in receiving these taxpayer-funded benefits."
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The letter further criticizes the program's purported savings, stating, "Your office has claimed the program, which is reportedly designed for purchasing food and baby supplies, will save New York City around $7.2 million per year by reducing food waste. In reality, these ‘savings’ are worthless when compared to costs created by the incentives your city continues to reinforce."
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Over the past two years, New York has seen an influx of more than 161,000 illegal immigrants and asylum-seekers, placing a strain on the state's resources and taxpayer funds. The House Republicans argue that Mayor Adams' new program will only exacerbate this issue, stating, "Distributing untraceable cash on transferable debit cards will only result in an increase of immigrants residing in NYC, which you once said would be ‘destroyed’ by the migrant crisis."
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The letter also highlights the program's cost, stating, "In total, the $53 million planned for the entire program is more than double the amount New York State has budgeted for its Department of Veterans Affairs or Office of National and Community Services in 2025. It is disturbing to see New York City prioritizing undocumented, illegal immigrants over the needs of its own citizens."
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The lawmakers are seeking clarification from Mayor Adams on whether "any federal funds, including any recent funds approved for New York City," are being used for the program. They are also requesting additional information on "the identification a migrant must provide to enroll in the program" and whether they’re first required to be vetted by Border Patrol authorities.
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The letter concludes with a plea to Mayor Adams to consider the long-term costs to American citizens and taxpayers in New York City, stating, "We hope you will contemplate the long-term and burdensome cost to American citizens and taxpayers in New York City, and we strongly encourage you to acknowledge these consequences when considering future projects for your city. We look forward to your timely and adequate response."
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