Refugee Payment Card: Decision Made by Witten
** straight-shootin' take on Witten's prepaid card decision for refugees**
In cities like Dortmund, Düsseldorf, and Münster, a prepaid card for refugees isn't even on the table. But what about Witten? Once on board, they've since turned their backs on the idea. Here's the lowdown on why.
The prepaid card, a nationwide decision introduced in NRW back in January, is meant to help keep track of funds for refugees. Instead of the traditional bank account or check, funds will be doled out onto the card according to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act. Each refugee gets a monthly 50 euro cash withdrawal limit.
But why the change of heart in Witten? Five factions—CDU, AfD, The Left, Greens, SPD, Pirates, and Bürgerforum+—all banded together and cried foul.
The fear? A special card for refugees might lead to exclusion and make it tougher for refugees to socialize and integrate into their new communities. Plus, the card's effectiveness hasn't been proven. Some believers in the card claim it'll curb irregular migration and foreign money transfers, but those on the opposing side say there's little evidence to support that claim.
Councilwoman Lilo Dannert (Greens) stood her ground. "Refugees cannot shop cheaply with a prepaid card," she said. She pointed out that on flea markets—where many refugees might shop for bargains—cash is the only accepted tender. "We must not make life here any harder for these people," she insisted.
The Witten Food Bank shared her concerns, with a spokesperson voicing worries about problems if refugees can no longer pay for groceries or lunch in cash at a specific store on Herbeder Street.
Despite pushback from the CDU, AfD, and climate change concerns, the SPD, Greens, Bürgerforum+, The Left, and Pirates managed to convince the council not to introduce the payment card in Witten. Refugees in Witten will continue to receive cash payments for now. The final decision will come at the council meeting on June 23rd.
- The prepaid card for refugees, initially intended in Witten, was abandoned due to concerns from factions like CDU, AfD, The Left, Greens, SPD, Pirates, and Bürgerforum+.
- These factions feared that the special card might lead to exclusion for refugees and hinder their socialization and integration into the community.
- Councilwoman Lilo Dannert (Greens) and the Witten Food Bank expressed concern about problems refugees might face if they could no longer pay for groceries or meals in cash.
- In spite of opposition from CDU, AfD, and climate change concerns, the SPD, Greens, Bürgerforum+, The Left, and Pirates were able to prevent the introduction of the payment card in Witten, ensuring refugee cash payments continue for the time being, with a decision scheduled for the council meeting on June 23rd.
