Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is facing intensified heat from critics over her state’s “newcomer rental subsidy” giving up to $500 to landlords that rent to migrants following the alleged murder of a woman by an illegal immigrant in Michigan.
“Many refugees and other newcomers face critical housing challenges, and this program will increase access to better and more affordable housing opportunities while supporting a more rapid social integration to refugees and other newcomer populations to Michigan,” Michigan’s state website states regarding the program that was reported on this week by The Midwesterner.
The website explains that the Newcomer Rental Subsidy program “provides Refugees and other Newcomer population-eligible households with rental assistance up to $500 per month for up to 12 months, with eligibility based on immigration status and household income.”
In order to be a beneficiary of the program, applicants must have an “eligible immigration status” that includes refugees, asylees, special immigration visa holders, victims of human trafficking, Cuban and Haitian entrants, Afghan nationals, or Ukrainian humanitarian parolees.
Guidance from the state says that an individual or household can be a part of the program for up to 12 months and that single individual or households with two individuals can receive a credit of $300 per month that rises to up to $500 per month in households of up to six individuals.
