Worms City Council's Showdown over Asylum Seeker Payment Cards
Contentious discussion over financial aid for asylum seekers, focusing on the use of payment cards, unfolds within Worms city council meeting.
On a steamy Wednesday (25th of June), Worms city council hit the heated debate over the proposal for a state standardized payment card for asylum seekers, brought by the Social Affairs Committee, led by Social Affairs Director, Waldemar Herder (SPD).
Herder justified the card, stating an aim to ease migration policy and create parity with neighboring municipalities who have already adopted the system. The card was suggested to combat human trafficking.
A Card with Controversy
Council members roared with different opinions, echoing concerns and support. Green Party's Deputy Chairman, Leonhard Schmitt, found issue with the "nanny-ish" nature of the card due to the requirement for IBAN numbers by request and with proven necessity in the Worms payment system. Only cardholders on a "green light" list could transfer funds. Schmitt perceived this as a populist move since less than seven percent of current asylum seekers reportedly send money abroad. He also pointed out the Advisory Board's staunch opposition to introduction.
Left Party representative, Isabell Lieffertz, called the card a "nuisance" with surveillance undertones. She argued it was a buttering-up act, as the majority of those sending money overseas were employed and ineligible for the payment card. Even Herder's fellow SPD member, Carlo Riva, suggested introducing a classification system, making him abstain from the vote.
Card or Handcuff?
Herder countered the uproar, stressing that the card didn't impose restrictions as the cardholder decides the card's use. He dismissed the accusation of harassment and emphasized that the administrative staff sought to welcome the newcomers. The committee aimed to address pressing issues, and it could take time to roll out the payment card after its introduction, he added.
FDP faction chairman, Jürgen Neureuther, argued the card could lower the "pull factor." He cited examples from other countries where the card has led to more departures. Schmitt, however, contended that asylum seekers have no choice over their destination.
A Red Tape Tiger?
Beyond debatable ethics, bureaucratic hassles also became a hot topic. Green politician Carolin Cloos warned about a "bureaucratic beast" coming to life, claiming that issuing cards and handling applications would create enormous administrative headaches. Lieffertz also noted the importance of evaluating bureaucratic burden before deciding to adopt the card. Herder retorted that the payment card wasn't instituted to ease administration but for migration policies.
Ultimately, the discussion concluded without further contributions, with Mayor Adolf Kessel (CDU) justifying the decision, citing extensive discussion in the specialist committee.
Adopting the Card
Despite the uproar, the payment card was greenlighted with a large majority. Forty voted in favor, five against, and three abstained, out of 48 ballots cast.
Transparency Note
An initial text mentioned a potentially discussed payment card credit during the meeting. However, this should be clarified—the standard deposit mentioned in the resolution draft is €130 per month for the head of household, and €50 per month for each additional family member.
The general news surrounding Worms City Council's discussion about the policy-and-legislation of a state standardized payment card for asylum seekers has sparked heated debates in the politics sphere. Green Party's Deputy Chairman, Leonhard Schmitt, expressed concerns over the "nanny-ish" nature of the card, especially the requirement for IBAN numbers and the "green light" list, while Left Party representative, Isabell Lieffertz, labeled the card as a "nuisance" with surveillance undertones.
