Remember Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Newcomer Rental Subsidy Program announcement last summer, which offered $500 a month in rental assistance for non-citizens?
According to records obtained by Michigan Enjoyer, The Refugee Development Center, home to the “Newcomer Center,” received $1,074,236 of taxpayer funding through the Office of Global Michigan in 2024. According to their website, The Office of Global Michigan takes the lead in advancing equity and inclusion initiatives throughout the state, while spearheading programs for the seamless integration of newcomers.
In total, Michigan taxpayers gave $46 million to nonprofits through the Office of Global Michigan. Several charities also received grants from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
As Michigan taxpayers, you are also paying for legal services, driver’s licenses, and resources to help immigrants evade ICE.
Migrant Legal Aid received $416,589 from the Office of Global Michigan and $59,743.49 through MDHHS last year.
Migrant Legal Aid Board Member Yamel Marmolejos-Tolentino is listed as “Sheriff Deputy” and, as recently as 2023, was employed as a police officer for Kent County. Surely with a member of law enforcement on their board, this organization would be in full cooperation of federal immigration enforcement, right?
A “Know Your Rights” guide on the website reminds migrant workers of the minimum wage, overtime laws, and that they have the right to 80% of their pay if they are involved in an accident at work. But like many other organizations you are paying for, it also tells migrants what to do in the event of an encounter with ICE—remain silent, do not open the door, do not sign anything, and call a lawyer.
Speaking of lawyers, Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates is listed on that resource with a phone number. You’re paying for that too.
Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates received $662,619 from the Office of Global Michigan in 2024. On the Lighthouse website is a detailed guide advising immigrants not to open their doors for ICE, not to sign anything, to record and photograph everything, remain silent, and contact an attorney.
Linked in the guide are numbers and information to free and discounted legal services you’re also paying for: the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center ($350,000), Immigration Law and Justice Michigan ($209,659), Southwest Immigrant and Refugee Center ($395,000), and the Hispanic Center of West Michigan ($280,000), among other organizations.
Together, this coordinated network of nonprofits serves as a way to provide legal services and resources to “newcomers” with your tax dollars.
Strangers No Longer is a network of Michigan churches “inspired by Catholic Social Teaching who, together, provide education, direct support, and advocacy to promote humane immigration policies.”
In a recent update, the group posted about state Sen. Stephanie Chang’s and state Rep. Tyrone Carter’s work to pass the Drive Safe Act in Michigan, which would give driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.
They received $50,000 in 2024, and, according to a recent article in Crain’s Detroit Business, house “undocumented immigrants” in spaces rented from Detroit parishes.
Taxpayer-funded West Michigan’s Treetops Collective provides driver’s training to “New Americans.”
The group says in its resources that “as of April 11, 2025, a new rule requires all non-citizens in the U.S. to register with the federal government.” This shouldn’t be a “new rule.”
At a time when jobs are leaving Michigan and Americans are struggling with rising costs, housing, and instability, we need every resource focused on restoring prosperity to Michigan and America.
Our tax dollars should never fund legal services, driver’s licenses, housing subsidies, or any other resource for “undocumented”—illegal—immigrants without our consent. Michiganders should decide which charities they want to support.
The Office of Global Michigan should be defunded and completely shut down.
Anna Hoffman is a hockey mom of three living in Ann Arbor. Follow her on X @shoesonplease.
