Illegal migrants in New York City continue receiving thousands of dollars in free rent each month from the government, while many citizens struggle to afford sky-high housing costs.
A woman that immigrated illegally from Venezuela told the New York Times, “To come from where we have come from, and to be here. For some people this may be a small apartment, but for me this is huge.”
Martha Maffei, executive director of SEPA Mujer, explained, “It’s difficult because of how expensive it is.”
‘Tiniest’ NYC apartment with no bathroom or kitchen lists for $1,200 per month https://t.co/UQ4jl1BMY8 pic.twitter.com/yIVwaLrcNl
— New York Post (@nypost) February 23, 2024
Recent reports describe migrants being moved from hotels into subsidized apartments of $2,500 per month in rent.
Meanwhile, some New Yorkers must pay over $1,000 for cramped rooms without kitchens.
The program spreads migrants across Long Island with landlord relationships, but high costs remain a challenge.
Critics argue taxpayer money would be better spent assisting citizens.
A federal report found that while the US government earned an 8.7% profit of $37.5 billion from migrants over 15 years, state and local governments lost 7.3% or $21.4 billion.
However, the profit excludes full welfare and social security costs.
As billions go to illegal migrant services, cities and states bear heavy financial burdens.
