Fact-check: NYC giving prepaid debit cards to some migrants [Video]

Some federal lawmakers, including U.S. Reps. Lance Gooden (R-Texas) and Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), and news headlines claim New York City is launching a program to provide prepaid cards to migrant families.

A VERIFY reader texted us to ask whether those claims are true. 

THE QUESTION

Is New York City giving out prepaid cards to migrants? 

THE SOURCES

THE ANSWER

New York City is launching a pilot program to provide prepaid debit cards to some migrants that can only be used to purchase food or baby supplies at certain types of stores. These cards would replace a current program that provides boxed food to migrants.

WHAT WE FOUND

New York City is launching a pilot program to provide 500 migrant families with prepaid debit cards that they can only use to buy food or baby …