Illegal migrants receive 65% more in food benefits that Americans enrolled in SNAP, according to new data released from the city’s debit card initiative
An analysis of welfare programs in New York shows that illegal migrants are ‘skipping the line’ when it comes to welfare benefits and receive more than the residents who depend on food aid to survive.
At the heart of the issue is New York City’s pilot debit card program, launched in early 2024 to give migrants in shelters prepaid debit cards for groceries and essentials.
Funded by taxpayer dollars, the cards were loaded with an average of $12.52 per person per day – which equals about $376 monthly per person – or $1,400 per month for a family of four.
Meanwhile a citizen family receives about $713 a month, about half as much.
The average SNAP recipient in New York State, received about $7.26 per person per day in 2024, or about $218 monthly per person, leaving many American families—veterans, seniors, and working poor – wondering why illegal migrants are not only taking their benefits, but receiving more.
Adjusted for program specifics, the gap hits 65% more aid daily for illegal migrants.
Illegal migrants are ineligible for SNAP by federal law, so the city created a parallel system – that is better funded per capita than SNAP for citizens.
In addition, while SNAP is strictly for groceries, migrant debit cards could be used for virtually anything.
