Gretchen Whitmer faces backlash after offering landlords $500 to rent to illegal immigrant 'newcomers'

Democrat Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is receiving backlash after offering landlords a "newcomer rental subsidy" to house illegal immigrants in the state. Residents would be paid up to $500 to landlords who rent out to foreign nationals. 

Reported on by The Midwesterner, Michigan's website stated, "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." 

The website went on to explain that the state government would subsidize landlords who rent out to "newcomer" illegal immigrants up to $500 a month for the trouble. Eligibility for the program would be based on household income.  

The state government explained on the site 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." 

Illegal immigrants to benefit from the program have to have an "eligible immigration status" including those illegal immigrants who have simply claimed asylum in the country.  

Tudor Dixon, who ran against Whitmer in 2022 as GOP candidate for governor, told Fox News, "Gretchen Whitmer is enabling Joe Biden’s open border policies by handing out cash to anyone who will take in unvetted illegal immigrants, undoubtedly risking the safety of our neighborhoods and communities."

"After the murder of Ruby Garcia less than a week ago, Whitmer should immediately cancel this program and demand Biden secure the border for the good of Michigan citizens."

In February, ABC 12 reported that the state of Michigan was seeking help to settle illegal immigrants with a volunteer sponsorship program run by the "Office of Global Michigan" (OGM). 

OGM's about page says that it is led by Executive Director Poppy Sias Hernandez.  

In Feb. 2022, Hernandez was also appointed to work on the USDA Equity Commission. Whitmer said at the time, "Poppy has served the people of Michigan admirably for years, including as a member of my executive office, and I know she will be an important part of this commission's work to ensure equal opportunity for all in agriculture."  

Hernandez was appointed by Whitmer in 2020 as the first-ever Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer in the Michigan governor's office.