Trump Signs Controversial Order Targeting Federal Benefits for Certain Immigrants: What This Means for You

SAN DIEGO (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed an order aimed at cutting off federal benefits for individuals in the country illegally, according to the White House. This step is part of his ongoing efforts to tighten immigration policies.

The order aims to end “all taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens,” but specifics about which benefits will be affected remain unclear. Typically, undocumented individuals don’t qualify for benefits, with exceptions mainly for emergency medical care. Children, however, can receive free public education from K-12 schools due to a ruling by the Supreme Court in 1982.

The order references a 1996 welfare law that restricts most public benefits for people in the country without legal permission but claims that this law has been weakened over the years. According to the order, the previous administration made moves that diluted the effectiveness of that law, leading to unnecessary spending of taxpayer money.

Trump’s focus seems to be on challenging policies introduced by former President Joe Biden. Biden utilized a parole authority extensively to allow temporary residency for over 900,000 individuals through a border appointment app called CBP One. Additionally, more than 500,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela were able to enter the U.S. with financial sponsorship. Trump has put an end to these programs.

Biden’s administration also granted parole to nearly 300,000 people from Ukraine and Afghanistan. While those granted parole for at least a year are labeled as “qualified non-citizens,” they can only access certain income-based benefits like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program after a five-year waiting period. Some states have shortened this wait time.

Trump’s order likely targets other policies too, including those already under scrutiny from earlier executive actions and lawsuits. It instructs federal agencies to pinpoint spending that does not align with the 1996 welfare law. It also seeks to prevent state and local governments from using federal funds to support sanctuary policies or actions that could promote illegal immigration.

On his first day in office, Trump had signed 10 executive orders on immigration. These orders included ending automatic citizenship for those born in the U.S. and restricting asylum at the southern border. The order regarding birthright citizenship is currently being challenged in court.