'Broke' California Giving $500 To Each Illegal Alien In The State

Gavin Newsom
Photo credit Getty Images

As part of $75 million coronavirus relief program, the State of California is offering $500 each to illegal aliens, despite asking for federal help with the state's $54 billion deficit.

According to the New York Times, when the program launched on Friday, the phone lines were backed up immediately as illegal immigrants called the state hotline to claim their aid money. The cash was awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and the process was conducted by telephone to avoid in-person contact.

The available funds will allow the state to give money to around 150,000 "undocumented immigrants."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) told CNN's Jake Tapper on Sunday that the federal government has a "moral" and "ethical" obligation to provide aid to states and local governments during the coronavirus crisis.

"We have an obligation, a moral, an ethical obligation to American citizens all across this country to help support cities, states and counties," he said.

Notice he specifically said, "citizens."