Monroe Review

State Rep. Will Bruck expressed his concerns about a policy implemented by Governor Whitmer that provides housing subsidies to illegal immigrants, which he believes is exacerbating issues caused by federal immigration policies. Bruck criticized the Newcomer Rental Subsidy Program, stating, “Supporting illegal aliens with taxpayer dollars sends the wrong message – that breaking the law is rewarded.”

Bruck highlighted that the program allows individuals with pending asylum applications, including those who entered the country illegally and filed defensive asylum claims, to receive up to $500 a month in rental assistance. Furthermore, he emphasized that the criteria of the program have loopholes that could be exploited by bad actors, diverting funds from those in genuine need.

Regarding the employment criteria loopholes and income criteria inconsistencies, Bruck and House Republicans sent a letter requesting data on benefit recipients and expressing concerns about the program's integrity. Bruck pointed out that the program's identity verification requirements also contain concerning loopholes that could facilitate misuse.

Bruck raised apprehensions that the program may contribute to the border security crisis and highlighted incidents in Michigan involving illegal immigrants. He stated, “Offering taxpayer-funded housing to those who exploit asylum laws undermines the integrity of our immigration system.”

The Newcomer Rental Subsidy program, administered by Whitmer’s Office of Global Michigan and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, utilizes funds from the Housing and Community Development Fund. Despite promises to provide answers to lawmakers' inquiries, the Office of Global Michigan has yet to deliver the requested information.

Bruck emphasized the importance of investing tax dollars in opportunities that strengthen communities and criticized programs that enable the misuse of the system. He concluded by stating, “Our tax dollars should be invested in opportunities that strengthen our communities, not programs that enable misuse of the system.”