New York City Mayor Eric Adams vowed to cut funding to border crossers and illegal immigrants amid low approval ratings.
In November, Adams had authorized city-wide budget cuts to afford waves of illegal immigration, but this drew further criticism.
On Wednesday, Adams said he is canceling the proposed cuts and instead reducing taxpayer funds given to newly arrived undocumented immigrants by 10%.
However, he is still defending a plan to provide prepaid debit cards to immigrants, which could eventually cost $53 million.
While aiming to reduce burdens on citizens, Adams continues supporting benefits for undocumented immigrants through programs like debit cards, which he may expand.
“I know on the first brush you look at it and say, ‘Wait a minute, what are you doing, you’re giving people cards?’” Adams said.
“This was a small policy shift that we’re doing on a pilot project with 500 people. If this is successful, we’re going to expand it even more.”
The policy shift comes as illegal immigration is estimated to cost New Yorkers $12 billion over three years.
