Mayor Eric Adams proposed a plan to give illegal border crossers in city shelters pre-paid debit cards to buy food, prompting city council members to call for an investigation into the scheme. The $53 million program would allow migrants to spend $35 per day on food. The no-bid contract awarded to launch the program raised concerns among council members.
Key Points
Mayor Adams proposed plan to give pre-paid debit cards to illegal border crossers in NYC shelters
City council members call for investigation into the scheme
Program estimated to cost $53 million, allowing migrants to spend $35 per day on food
Concerns raised over the no-bid contract awarded for the program launch
Pros
Program aims to save city millions in food-service costs
Providing migrants with funds to buy food for themselves
Cons
No-bid contract awarded for the program launch
Concerns about the use and effectiveness of the debit cards