The OP is right in saying that something like this started in Canada. The Canadian version contrasted how much a refugee gets versus the Canadian Old Age pension. I first came across it about 4 years ago. It has obviously crossed the border and morphed into an American version.
But for what it is worth, here is my answer. The trouble is, as Trump well knows, ignorance is a powerful weapon. It is much easier to yell that a refugee gets more than an old age pensioner than it is to examine the detailed reasons for the different amounts.
Leaving aside for a second whether the figures are right (they usually are NOT) let’s just ask why the amounts available to a refugee should be identical to the old age pension anway.???
Refugees arrive in Canada (or the US) with literally the clothes on their backs, usually warm weather clothing. A year ago, they probably never suspected they would have to leave their country and suddenly they find themslves smack dab in a Canadian winter.
They may have had to sacrifice their life savings just to get out of their country, or may have had their bank accounts seized by the new government back home. They may not even have toothbrushes with them.
In other words, their needs are immense, immediate and up front. But as soon as they can get winter clothing, an apartment, a change or underwear, their kids in school, etc.etc., their immense needs will rapidly decline and as soon as they get jobs they can start supporting themselves, contributing and paying taxes.
Old age pensioners (like me) have a completely different set of needs. For starters, I have known for 50 or 55 years that I would be getting an old age pension at 65. Besides, the OA pension is far from being my only source of retirement income. Like most Canadians, I have a pension from the contributory Canada Pension Plan as well as the pension plan from the place I worked in before retirement.
Unlike refugees, people who turn 65 don’t suddenly find themslves with nothing in the space of a few weeks. You still have clothes, furnitutre, a house or apartment, etc. These things don’t disappear just because you turn 65. You probably have savings in the bank and the government is not going to seize your funds.
So in other words, old age pensioners have a completely different set of needs. Perhaps they will receive less than the refugee who has just landed at the airport, but they will receive this amount for 20 or 30 years, until they die.
While the refugee can and probably will get off public assistance once he gets on his feet, the elderly will be needing more and more support programs as they get weaker and more vulnerable.
So why compare aid to refugees and old age pensions at all?
