New York City officials defend a pilot program giving prepaid debit cards to illegal immigrants to purchase essential supplies, not cash. The program is under scrutiny amidst concerns of mixed messaging and public outcry.
Key Points
Debit cards not for cash, intended for purchasing food and baby supplies
Starting with 10 families, plans to scale up to 115 families
Mayor and officials defending the program amidst criticism
Pros
Provides essential supplies to migrant families in need
Trial run to assess effectiveness before scaling up
Cons
Mixed messaging with urging incoming arrivals to go someplace else