Trump signs executive order targeting ‘benefits for illegal aliens’

Trump Targets Federal Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants in New Executive Order

Donald Trump has signed an executive order designed to restrict federal benefits for individuals residing in the United States illegally. This action is the latest in a series of measures aimed at tightening immigration enforcement.

The White House claims the order aims to eliminate “all taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens,” but the specific benefits targeted remain unclear. Generally, undocumented immigrants are ineligible for most federal benefits, with exceptions for emergency medical care. A 1982 Supreme Court ruling guarantees free K-12 public education to all children, regardless of immigration status.

Impact on Biden-Era Parole Programs

The 1996 welfare reform law already denies most public benefits to undocumented immigrants; however, the Trump administration asserts that this law has been weakened over the years. “Over the last 4 years, in particular, the prior administration repeatedly undercut the goals of that law, resulting in the improper expenditure of significant taxpayer resources,” the order states.

The order specifically targets former President Joe Biden’s use of parole authority. Biden’s administration allowed temporary entry to over 900,000 individuals through the CBP One app at the US-Mexico border and over 500,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who sponsored their own travel to the US. Trump has immediately halted both of these programs.

Parole was also granted to nearly 300,000 people from Ukraine and Afghanistan under the Biden administration.

Eligibility for Certain Benefits After Parole

Individuals granted parole for at least a year are classified as “qualified non-citizens.” This status makes them eligible for certain income-based benefits, such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), but only after a five-year waiting period. Some states, however, have reduced this waiting period.

The order requires states to identify if they have shorter waiting times, so that they might be pressured to fall in line with the five-year wait listed in the 1996 Welfare Reform law.

Broader Review of Federal Spending and “Sanctuary” Policies

Beyond parole programs, Trump’s order has wider implications. All government departments and agencies are instructed to identify any federal benefit spending that contradicts the 1996 welfare law. Furthermore, the order aims to ensure state and local governments are not using federal funds to support “sanctuary” policies or initiatives deemed to encourage illegal immigration.

A Wave of Immigration-Related Executive Orders

This executive order is part of a broader series of actions on immigration. Trump signed 10 immigration-related executive orders on his first day in office, including measures to end birthright citizenship and asylum at the southern border. The order regarding birthright citizenship is currently facing legal challenges and has been temporarily blocked.

Government-Wide Regulatory Review and Agency Eliminations

In a separate executive order, Trump mandated a comprehensive review of all government regulations, working alongside Elon Musk’s department of government efficiency. Any regulations deemed inconsistent with the administration’s policies will be subject to rescission or modification. This review is part of Musk’s larger initiative to streamline government operations, which itself is encountering multiple legal challenges.

Additionally, Trump has targeted several advisory committees and agencies for elimination. The US Institute for Peace, the Inter-American Foundation, and the US African Development Foundation are among those slated for disbandment, reflecting a push to consolidate control over independent executive agencies.

This report includes information from the Associated Press and Reuters.