President Trump signed an executive order targeting federal benefits for undocumented migrants, stating they misuse taxpayer resources. The order mandates agencies to identify federally funded benefits available to undocumented individuals, despite most being ineligible except for emergencies. The move aligns with Trump’s broader immigration agenda, aimed at preventing illegal crossings and cracking down on undocumented individuals within the U.S. The White House claims undocumented migrants have accessed federal welfare programs and criticized the Biden administration for financially supporting them. However, analysis shows undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to Social Security, countering the administration’s claims.
On Wednesday, President Trump enacted an executive order focused on removing federal benefits for undocumented immigrants in the United States, labeling these benefits as an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars.
It remains unclear which specific programs will be impacted by this order, which also mandates that various agencies and departments identify federally funded benefits available to individuals residing in the United States illegally.
According to the National Immigration Law Center, undocumented immigrants generally do not qualify for federal benefits, with limited exceptions for emergency situations, and many immigrant families often hesitate to sign up for programs they might qualify for.
This order is the latest among a series of immigration-related measures Mr. Trump has implemented since beginning his second term, including directives aimed at preventing illegal crossings into the United States and intensifying enforcement against undocumented immigrants already present in the country.
According to the White House, Mr. Trump’s most recent order seeks to ensure that federal resources are not utilized to “encourage or facilitate illegal immigration.” Additionally, it instructs departments and agencies to prevent federal funds from supporting “sanctuary” policies.
This term typically refers to states, counties, or municipalities that impose certain restrictions on cooperating with federal authorities regarding the deportation of undocumented immigrants.
On Wednesday, the White House claimed, without providing specific information, that undocumented immigrants have accessed various federal welfare programs and accused the Biden administration of allocating billions to assist individuals who have entered the United States unlawfully.
Moreover, according to an analysis released last year by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a progressive tax research organization, undocumented immigrants have also contributed tens of billions to the Social Security system.