Macomb Today

House Republican Leader Matt Hall and Housing Subcommittee Republican Vice Chair Joe Aragona have criticized Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Newcomer Rental Subsidy program. The program offers benefits to individuals who entered the country illegally but later claimed asylum after facing deportation.

Hall expressed his concerns, stating, “Gretchen Whitmer’s rent subsidy program makes handouts available to illegal aliens who were caught in the country and then claimed asylum to avoid deportation." He further added, "Michiganders shouldn’t have their dollars taken to reward those who broke our immigration laws."

Aragona also raised issues with the program, highlighting the loopholes that could be exploited by bad actors with pending asylum applications. He emphasized, “Our system is bogged down with fake asylum-seekers," and added, "That’s not fair to American citizens, that’s not fair to refugees who immigrated legally to escape danger, and that’s not fair to families who are struggling to pay their own bills."

The lawmakers sent a letter to Whitmer's Office of Global Michigan requesting data on benefit recipients and expressed concerns about loopholes in the program's criteria. They highlighted issues with employment, income criteria, and identity verification requirements that could potentially divert funds from those in genuine need.

Despite promises from the Office of Global Michigan to provide answers, the lawmakers have not received the information they requested. Hall criticized the program for potentially incentivizing illegal immigration, especially during a border security crisis. He stated, “Americans watch with horror as Democrats respond with carelessness to our border crisis," and added, "These politicians must stop aiding and abetting illegal aliens and get serious about securing our border and keeping people safe."

The Newcomer Rental Subsidy program is funded through the state’s Housing and Community Development Fund (HCDF), which supports various state housing programs. The program's creation and the allocation of funds have sparked controversy and drawn attention to the broader issue of immigration policies and border security.

The ongoing criticism and scrutiny faced by the Whitmer administration over the rent assistance program for illegal immigrants highlight the complexities and challenges surrounding immigration policy and the need for transparency and accountability in government initiatives.