Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has come under fire for her state’s “newcomer rental subsidy” program, which offers up to $500 to landlords that rent to migrants. The program aims to provide housing assistance to refugees and other newcomer populations in Michigan to help them integrate more quickly into society. Eligibility is based on immigration status and household income, with beneficiaries being refugees, asylees, special immigration visa holders, victims of human trafficking, and other designated groups. Landlords are issued payments through an electronic system, with payments being made in three-month installments.
Critics of the program have raised safety concerns, particularly in light of several high-profile instances of crimes being committed by illegal immigrants. The recent murder of 25-year-old Ruby Garcia, allegedly by an illegal immigrant, has intensified the backlash against Whitmer’s policies. Some critics argue that the program endangers the safety of Michigan citizens and alleges that Whitmer is enabling Joe Biden’s open border policies. Calls have been made for Whitmer to cancel the program and demand tighter border security measures.
The accused in Garcia’s murder, Brandon Ortiz-Vite, had been deported to Mexico in 2020 and is facing charges including felony murder, carjacking, and weapons offenses. Republican critics, including Tudor Dixon and Michigan GOP State Rep. Andrew Fink, have accused the Whitmer administration of prioritizing housing for refugees and asylum seekers over securing the border and ensuring the safety of communities. Fink recently sponsored a bill that effectively bans sanctuary cities in Michigan as part of efforts to address these concerns.
The Newcomer Rental Subsidy program offers assistance to eligible households for up to 12 months, with single individuals or households of up to six individuals receiving monthly credits ranging from $300 to $500. Landlords have the option to receive payments electronically or by check, with payments being issued in installments after the initial application is approved. Despite criticism and calls for action from Whitmer’s detractors, her office has not responded to requests for comment on the controversy surrounding the program.
Overall, the debate surrounding the “newcomer rental subsidy” program in Michigan reflects broader tensions over immigration policy and public safety. Advocates of the program argue that it provides vital support to vulnerable populations seeking refuge in the state, while critics raise concerns about potential risks to public safety and the prioritization of housing assistance over border security measures. The case of Ruby Garcia’s murder has brought these issues to the forefront, prompting calls for changes to the program and a reevaluation of Michigan’s approach to immigration policy and public safety.
