Republicans Press NYC Mayor Eric Adams on $53 Million Prepaid Debit Cards for Illegal Immigrants

The mayor’s office has claimed the program will reduce waste and save New York City’s taxpayers around $7.2 million per year.

A police officer hands out pizza to dozens of illegal immigrants who recently arrived in New York City as they camp outside of the Roosevelt Hotel, on Aug. 1, 2023. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

House Republicans are demanding answers from New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams regarding his $53 million program that will provide illegal immigrants with taxpayer-funded, prepaid debit cards.

In an April 10 letter, addressed to Mr. Adams, Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas) and seven of his fellow Republican members of Congress expressed concern about his $53 million “Immediate Response Card” (IRC) program, describing the initiative as “a free handout to foreign nationals who illegally circumvented our immigration processes.”