Yesterday, 

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at ensuring that taxpayer resources are not used to incentivize or support illegal immigration. This decisive action directs Federal agencies to identify all federally funded programs providing financial benefits to illegal aliens and take corrective measures to prevent such expenditures.

Key Provisions of the Executive Order

• Federal departments and agencies must assess and rectify programs that inadvertently provide financial support to illegal immigrants.

• Federal funds allocated to states and localities will no longer be permitted to support sanctuary policies or assist in illegal immigration efforts.

• Stricter eligibility verification processes will be implemented to ensure that federal benefits are directed only to lawful residents and citizens.

• The Order reinforces President Trump's commitment to protecting public benefits for vulnerable American citizens, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Reducing the Taxpayer Burden

The financial strain of illegal immigration on American taxpayers has been an escalating concern. With this Executive Order, President Trump is reinforcing his commitment to ensuring that taxpayer dollars serve American citizens first, rather than funding unauthorized migration.

• The surge in illegal immigration has led to substantial state and local budget deficits, diverting resources from essential public services.

• Despite existing welfare laws, loopholes and policies have allowed many illegal aliens to access government aid. Under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), illegal aliens are generally barred from welfare programs. However, once granted parole, they become “qualified aliens,” gradually gaining access to various welfare benefits.

• A report from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) estimates that providing welfare to one million illegal aliens could cost American taxpayers an additional $3 billion annually.

• The U.S. House Homeland Security Committee reported that since January 2021, taxpayers have spent as much as $451 billion to provide for illegal aliens and border crossers.

• According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), illegal immigration costs American taxpayers at least $182 billion annually, with $66.5 billion incurred at the federal level and $115.6 billion at the state and local levels.

• The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected that the Biden Administration's open borders policies, which expanded Medicaid-funded emergency services to illegal aliens, cost federal and state taxpayers more than $16.2 billion.

• In addition to direct welfare costs, more than $1 billion in FEMA funding has been allocated to illegal aliens since 2021.

Reasserting Border Security and Law Enforcement

President Trump has taken swift and comprehensive action to secure the border and prioritize the safety and economic well-being of American citizens. Since taking office, he has:

• Declared a national emergency at the southern border.

• Deployed additional personnel to the border, including Armed Forces and National Guard units.

• Resumed border wall construction to enhance security.

• Designated violent international cartels, such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

• Suspended the entry of aliens into the U.S. under specific circumstances to protect national security.

• Enhanced vetting and screening protocols for immigrants.

• Identified countries requiring partial or full admission restrictions due to security concerns.

• Resumed the detention and removal of individuals in violation of federal immigration laws.

• Reinstated the Migrant Protection Protocols (Remain in Mexico policy).

• Terminated the CBP One app, which had facilitated border crossings under the previous administration.

• Ended categorical parole programs that contradicted his administration's immigration priorities.

• Revoked automatic birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens.

• Temporarily suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

• Ended the problematic catch-and-release policies.

• Revoked executive actions from the Biden Administration that contributed to the border crisis.

• Ordered the detention of high-risk criminal illegal aliens at Guantanamo Bay.

A Strong Commitment to Protecting American Interests

President Trump's Executive Order represents a firm step toward ensuring that federal benefits are preserved for lawful American citizens and that taxpayer funds are not misallocated. This policy underscores his administration's unwavering stance on securing the border, upholding the rule of law, and prioritizing American families.

As immigration policies continue to evolve, Saluja Law remains committed to analyzing and advising on the legal implications of these developments. We will continue to monitor the implementation of this Executive Order and its effects on immigration law and public policy.