NY councilman criticizes Hochul’s ‘endless handouts’ as state enrolls migrants on welfare
Democratic NYC Councilman Slams Gov’s “Endless Handouts” to Migrants
In a scathing critique, Democratic New York City Councilman Robert Holden has condemned Governor Kathy Hochul’s “endless handouts” to migrants, as the state enrolls thousands of migrants on welfare. Holden, who represents Queens on the city council, passionately argues that it’s time to put an end to this madness, where benefits are being rolled out for migrants who entered the country illegally, while homeless and low-income New Yorkers continue to suffer.
Outrage Over “Slap in the Face” to Citizens
Holden expressed his frustration, stating, “The endless handouts to the entire world are a slap in the face to every citizen who has contributed to and sacrificed for this country.” He firmly believes that it’s time to prioritize the needs of American citizens and put an end to this unjust practice.
The criticism comes after the state’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance made changes to its “Safety Net Assistance” program, allowing non-citizens with pending applications for legal asylum status to be eligible for benefits. This program utilizes taxpayer dollars to provide cash payments to asylum-seekers who don’t qualify for traditional assistance.
Concerns Over Enrollment Numbers
While the exact number of migrants enrolled in the program remains unclear, the OTDA estimates that 90% of migrants do not qualify for additional assistance. However, even if only 10% of migrants are eligible, that still amounts to approximately 17,000 individuals. This is a significant figure considering that New York City has experienced an influx of over 173,000 asylum-seekers from the southern border since spring 2022, with more than 66,000 migrants still under the city’s care.
Anthony Farmer, spokesperson for the OTDA, defended the SNA payments to migrants, stating that they are only a “small portion” of the $4.3 billion allocated by Hochul to address the migrant crisis. Farmer clarified that the update to the program’s eligibility rules was made in response to a request from New York City and is in compliance with state and federal law.
The state typically utilizes SNA funds to assist New Yorkers who don’t qualify for conventional public assistance, such as single adults, childless couples, and families dealing with substance abuse issues.
What are the concerns raised by Councilman Holden regarding the strain on taxpayers caused by providing welfare programs to migrants who entered the country illegally?
Country illegally. He raises concerns about the strain this puts on taxpayers and asserts that the government should prioritize the needs of American citizens instead.
Councilman Holden begins his critique by shedding light on the alarming number of migrants who are being enrolled in various welfare programs across New York State. This policy, initiated by Governor Hochul, has raised eyebrows and fueled a heated debate about the state’s responsibilities towards migrants who entered the country unlawfully.
Holden emphasizes that while he is in full support of compassion and providing assistance to those in need, he firmly believes that American citizens should be the primary beneficiaries of government aid. He argues that the current approach taken by the governor is both unfair and unsustainable in the long run.
The councilman highlights the significant burden this policy places on hardworking New York taxpayers. With scarce resources and limited funds, he asserts that it is irresponsible to allocate a significant portion of the state’s budget towards individuals who are not legally entitled to it. According to Holden, this policy not only undermines the integrity of the welfare system but also perpetuates an environment where migrants are incentivized to come to the United States illegally.
Holden calls for a reassessment of the governor’s priorities, urging her to focus on the needs and well-being of American citizens first. He argues that this is not an issue of xenophobia or discrimination, but rather a matter of responsible governance and fair distribution of resources. By redirecting these funds to initiatives that benefit American citizens, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, the government can foster a better quality of life for all residents.
Furthermore, Councilman Holden highlights the importance of enforcing immigration laws and discouraging illegal entry into the country. He asserts that when the state provides extensive benefits to migrants who have violated immigration regulations, it sends the wrong message and undermines the rule of law. He suggests that instead of offering endless handouts, the government should focus on enhancing border security and establishing a more efficient immigration process, which will ultimately benefit both American citizens and migrants who are seeking to enter the country legally.
In conclusion, Councilman Holden’s critique of Governor Hochul’s policy reflects a growing concern among many New Yorkers. He calls for a reassessment of the state’s approach to welfare programs for migrants, emphasizing that the focus should be on providing aid to American citizens while simultaneously addressing the root causes of illegal immigration. By prioritizing responsible governance and fair distribution of resources, New York can navigate this complex issue and uphold the values of a democratic society.
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