NYC to pay out $53 MILLION on pre-paid debit cards to illegal immigrants in 'pilot program'

New York City is set to distribute $53 million worth of pre-paid debit cards to illegal immigrants at the cost of taxpayers.

These pre-paid debit cards, otherwise known as the "Immediate Response Card," will help illegal immigrants buy food, according to the New York Post.

Per conditions of the program, illegal immigrants will only be allowed to use the cards at bodegas, grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores are allowed to accept the cards.

Illegal immigrants risk being removed from the program if they don't sign an affidavit promising to use the money only for food and baby necessities, according to the outlet.

The cards are similar to the state's food stamp program, also called SNAP, which provides financial assistance to low-income residents.

According to City Hall, the program will take the place of the current food service provided there and begin with a group of 500 migrant families staying in short-term hotels.

The specifics of the contract state that the amount on each card will change based on the size of the family and whether any income is received. For example, a family of four could receive about $1,000 each month, or $35 per day for food. Refilled cards will be sent out every 28 days.

According to officials, if the program proves to be effective, it will be extended to all migrant families staying in hotels, which presently number about 15,000.