Trump Administration’s Inquiry into California’s Immigrant Benefits: Debunking Misleading Claims by Critics

The Trump administration has kicked off an investigation into California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, which offers monthly cash benefits to certain aged, blind, and disabled noncitizens. This program is designed for individuals who, due to their immigration status, can’t access Social Security benefits.

The investigation, led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles, seeks to gather records from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services. They want to check whether any ineligible immigrants have mistakenly received Social Security funds over the last four years.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized California’s policies, asserting that they prioritize illegal immigrants over citizens. “The gravy train is over,” she stated, emphasizing that they are working to ensure public benefits are not misused.

California’s program, established in 1998 under Republican Governor Pete Wilson, is fully state-funded. It serves as a safety net for those who became ineligible for federal benefits due to a 1996 law. This law led to many immigrants, particularly seniors with disabilities, facing financial hardships.

In 2023, the program assisted around 16,500 individuals, a figure that highlights its significance. Notably, most recipients are not undocumented immigrants. The program specifically targets legal residents, including victims of crimes and trafficking with valid statuses.

Experts believe the subpoena’s demands are overly broad. Tanya Broder from the National Immigration Legal Center argues that it improperly implies that undocumented individuals are receiving federal benefits when this is a state-funded initiative.

Benyamin Chao from the California Immigrant Policy Center emphasized that the program only provides benefits to qualified immigrants. He expressed concerns that this investigation threatens the privacy of vulnerable communities. “This is about targeting those who are already struggling,” he said.

Kevin R. Johnson, an immigration law professor at UC Davis, pointed out that the scope of this inquiry could lead to significant fear within immigrant communities. He argued that the mere act of seeking this information creates a chilling atmosphere, stressing that some might hesitate to seek help due to potential repercussions.

Recent statistics shed light on the broader context: over 1.1 million individuals currently receive monthly Supplemental Security Income in California, nearly half of whom are 65 or older. Furthermore, the Public Policy Institute of California revealed that the CAPI program benefits around 15,000 legal immigrants who don’t meet the additional criteria for SSI.

The ongoing investigation reflects the heightened tensions surrounding immigration policy in the U.S. Many view it as part of a broader trend to discourage support for immigrant communities, creating anxiety among those who depend on such benefits for survival.

Broder urges California officials to protect the privacy of program applicants. “For these programs to work, people need assurance that their information won’t be used against them or their families,” she explained.



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