President Donald Trump has recently signed an order aimed at terminating federal benefits for individuals residing in the country illegally, as reported by the White House on Wednesday. This action is part of a series of measures taken by the Trump administration to tighten immigration policies.
The White House stated that the order is intended to cease 'all taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens,' although the specific benefits to be affected have not been clearly outlined. Typically, individuals in the country illegally do not qualify for benefits except for emergency medical care. Additionally, children are entitled to a free K-12 public education regardless of their immigration status, as established by a 1982 Supreme Court ruling.
The order highlights a 1996 welfare overhaul that restricts most public benefits for individuals in the country illegally, citing that this law has been gradually undermined over time. The Trump administration criticized the previous administration for allegedly undermining the goals of the 1996 law, resulting in the misuse of significant taxpayer resources.
President Trump's recent actions seem to be targeting the parole authority extensively used by former President Joe Biden to allow temporary residency for various groups of individuals. Trump promptly terminated programs that granted parole to over 900,000 individuals through an online appointment app at border crossings with Mexico, as well as to more than 500,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who traveled to the U.S. at their own expense with a financial sponsor.
Biden's parole grants also extended to nearly 300,000 individuals from Ukraine and Afghanistan. Those granted parole for at least a year are classified as 'qualified non-citizens,' making them eligible for certain income-based benefits after a five-year waiting period. These benefits include Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which offers coverage to children in families that exceed Medicaid income thresholds.
Trump's order directs all government departments and agencies to identify federal benefit spending that contradicts the 1996 welfare law. It also aims to ensure that state and local governments do not utilize federal funds to support 'sanctuary' policies or encourage illegal immigration.
President Trump had previously signed 10 executive orders on immigration during his initial days in office, including measures to end automatic citizenship for individuals born in the United States and to restrict asylum at the southern border. The order related to birthright citizenship has faced legal challenges and is currently on hold pending further court proceedings.
