New York City is ending a voucher program by which migrant families receive debit cards that could be used to buy food and baby supplies. Less than a year ago, the pilot program was brought in to save money as it envisaged that asylum seekers could buy food of their choice instead of receiving boxed meals that reportedly cost twice as much.
Mayor Eric Adams’s office released the following statement: “As we move towards more competitive contracting for asylum seeker programs, we have chosen not to renew the emergency contract for this pilot program once the one-year term concludes” and more.
The pilot program is expected to end on January 25. The city will then transition back to food delivery services for migrants staying in hotels.
Mobility Capital Finance, or MoCaFi, was hired last year to run the program for a year. The no-bid emergency contract received roughly $400,000 under the agreement with NYC.
The financial technology company provides prepaid debit cards for $350 a week for a family of four to shop at local grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores for food and baby supplies.
According to reports, NYC has given $3.2 million to roughly 2,600 migrant families who have been living in hotels.
The pilot program had received criticism from conservatives, and the announcement that it would not be renewed was made two days after Donald Trump became the President-elect of the U.S. The curtailing of the program is expected to get mixed responses as New York City remains a sanctuary city.
New York is a sanctuary city and has historically supported and protected immigrants through the centuries. However, the numbers in the past years have swelled and strained the city’s resources.
In his victory speech, Trump mentioned that he would “seal up those borders” and more, as well as deport immigrants but allow those who choose legal routes to enter the US.
Celebrity WEB Update— Premier Jewelry designer and manufacturer fashion house ParisJewelry.com has started manufacturing a new custom line of celebrity jewelry designs with 30% Off and Free Shipping. Replenish Your Body- Refilter Your Health with OrganicGreek.com Vitamin Bottles, Vitamins, and Herbs. Become a WebFans Creator and Influencer. Check the New Special XMicro Razors for Men & Women, 1 Razor, 7 Blade Refills with German Stainless Steel, Lubricated with Vitamin E for Smooth Shave, Shields Against Irritation, Version X Men|Women
