Donald Trump has enacted an executive order aimed at terminating federal assistance for individuals residing in the country illegally, marking one of many measures in his ongoing campaign to tighten immigration policies.
According to the White House, the order intends to eliminate “all taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens,” although it remains unclear which specific benefits will be addressed. Generally, those in the country illegally do not qualify for benefits, except for emergency medical services. A 1982 Supreme Court ruling guarantees children access to free K-12 public education regardless of their immigration status.
The executive order references a 1996 welfare reform that restricts most public benefits for people residing in the country illegally, stating that this legislation has been gradually weakened. “In particular, during the last four years, the previous administration consistently undermined the objectives of that law, leading to the improper allocation of substantial taxpayer funds.”
Trump’s remarks seem to target former President Joe Biden’s significant use of parole powers to permit the temporary entry of individuals into the country, including over 900,000 through an online appointment system called CBP One at the Mexican border, along with more than 500,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who arrived in the U.S. with financial sponsorship. Trump immediately terminated both initiatives.
Additionally, Biden permitted nearly 300,000 individuals from Ukraine and Afghanistan to enter the U.S. under similar circumstances.
Individuals granted parole for at least one year are classified as “qualified non-citizens,” making them eligible for certain income-based benefits, but only after a five-year period. Benefits include Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides coverage to children in families that exceed the income limits for Medicaid, as outlined by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Some states have reduced the five-year waiting period.
Trump’s order also appears to target additional areas already covered by previous directives and Justice Department lawsuits. It instructs all departments and agencies to identify federal benefit expenditures not aligned with the 1996 welfare law. Furthermore, it aims to ensure that state and local governments are not utilizing federal funds to support “sanctuary” policies or promote illegal immigration.
On his first day in office, Trump signed 10 executive orders concerning immigration, which included abolishing automatic citizenship for individuals born in the United States and ending asylum at the southern border. The order concerning birthright citizenship is currently on hold due to court challenges.
In another directive issued on Wednesday, Trump asked leaders of all agencies to conduct a review of existing regulations, collaborating with members from Elon Musk’s government efficiency department. The order stated that regulations found inconsistent with the administration’s policies would be revoked or adjusted.
This initiative aims to enhance Musk’s extensive government-reduction efforts, which are currently facing various legal challenges regarding their legality.
Trump has also identified several advisory committees and agencies for potential dissolution as part of his broader strategy to gain control over independent executive entities.
Among the agencies slated for elimination are the United States Institute for Peace, which advocates for conflict resolution globally; the Inter-American Foundation, which supports community development programs in Latin America and the Caribbean; and the U.S. African Development Foundation, which invests in development efforts in Africa.
With Associated Press and Reuters
