(PatriotNewsDaily.com) – In recent developments, New York has initiated financial support for a select group of migrants who are typically ineligible for the state’s welfare programs. This adjustment came under Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, which revised the eligibility criteria for the “Safety Net Assistance” program in May. This change permits migrants with pending asylum applications to access benefits, expanding eligibility to a significant number of individuals, as reported by the New York Post.
This decision was implemented by the state’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which communicated the update to local social service agencies. Despite inquiries, the exact number of beneficiaries under this revised policy remains undisclosed.
A spokesperson from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance commented to Fox News Digital that only a minimal portion of the allocated $4.3 billion intended for the migrant crisis has been disbursed through these payments. They estimated that a vast majority, approximately 90%, of the state’s migrant population would not qualify for these benefits under the updated guidelines.
The spokesperson further explained that the policy adjustment was made to provide limited additional support to a small subset of migrants, in line with state and federal regulations, following a request from New York City.
However, considering that over 173,000 migrants have arrived in New York City since 2022, even a 10% eligibility rate would imply that around 17,000 individuals in the city might be receiving these payments.
To qualify, migrants must have completed their asylum application paperwork and can utilize the financial aid, which amounts to several hundred dollars monthly, for essential expenses such as rent, utilities, and clothing.
This policy has sparked criticism from various quarters. Michael Kracker, chairman of the Erie County Republican Committee, expressed his dismay, highlighting the plight of struggling New Yorkers, including homeless veterans, who he feels are being overlooked in favor of migrants, some of whom may not have a legal basis to remain in the country.
Representative Nicole Malliotaki (R-NY) criticized the policy for potentially attracting more migrants to New York, burdening the city’s lower and middle-class residents. Similarly, Democratic City Councilman Robert Holden and Lora Ries, director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at The Heritage Foundation, criticized the policy for favoring non-citizens over U.S. citizens and legal residents, arguing that it could lead to increased illegal immigration and strain on state resources.
In defense, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance clarified that only legally present individuals are eligible for these benefits, emphasizing that illegal residents are not entitled to this support.
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