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President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday aimed at eliminating federal assistance for undocumented immigrants in the United States, accusing these benefits of being a misuse of taxpayer resources.
The measure is part of a series of actions that Trump has taken during his second term to tighten immigration policies and control the flow of immigrants into the country.
The order, published by the White House, did not immediately specify which programs would be affected, but instructs federal agencies to identify and eliminate the publicly funded benefits that favor individuals who are illegally in the country.
Historically, undocumented immigrants do not have access to most federal assistance, except in cases of medical emergencies, and many families are reluctant to enroll in programs for which they may qualify, according to the National Immigration Law Center.
The White House stated that this order aims to “ensure that federal funds are not used to encourage or support illegal migration.”
It was also ordered that states and municipalities do not use federal funds to finance "sanctuary" policies, which limit cooperation with federal authorities responsible for the deportation of undocumented immigrants.
The measure details that "The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimated that American taxpayers spend at least $182 billion annually to cover the costs associated with the presence of 20 million illegal immigrants and their children, which includes $66.5 billion in federal expenses, along with another $115.6 billion in state and local expenses."
In its justification, the Trump administration accused President Joe Biden's government of undermining the 1996 Welfare Reform Act, which restricts access to federal aid for undocumented immigrants.
The White House also noted that, during Biden's administration, spending on these aids has significantly increased, benefiting undocumented immigrants who, according to the president, have received resources intended for American citizens.
On the other hand, advocates for undocumented immigrants opposed the measure, arguing that undocumented individuals have contributed to the Social Security system in the U.S., with a significant impact.
In this regard, they cited an analysis conducted by the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy, which estimates that these migrants have contributed tens of billions to the system, despite being ineligible for many of the benefits.
Since the start of his second term, Trump has implemented several controversial measures against immigrants.
According to the White House report, among them Trump has:
-A national emergency has been declared at the southern border.
-Additional personnel deployed at the border, including members of the Armed Forces and the National Guard.
-Construction of the border wall has restarted.
-Designated to the international cartels and other criminal organizations – such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua – as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
- Entry of immigrants to the U.S. suspended.
-A more rigorous evaluation and review of immigrants is required.
-Required the identification of countries that justify a partial or total suspension of the admission of their nationals.
- Restarted the detention and removal of immigrants who violate federal laws.
-Directed to the administration to resume the Migrant Protection Protocols – also known as "Remain in Mexico" – as soon as possible.
- The use of the CBP One application has ended.
-Completed all categorical parole programs, such as the "Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans," which are contrary to Trump's immigration agenda.
-Automatic citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants has been terminated.
-Operation of the U.S. Refugee Admission Program (USRAP) paused.
-Completed the “capture and release” policy.
-Revoked the disastrous executive actions of Biden that, according to Trump, opened the southern border.
-Detained illegal immigrants, whom he describes as criminals, and sent some to the Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Donald Trump's Immigration Policy and Federal Aid
What does Donald Trump's executive order on federal aid to undocumented immigrants entail?
The executive order signed by Trump seeks to eliminate federal assistance for undocumented immigrants, justifying that these benefits are an improper use of taxpayer resources. This measure is part of a series of actions to tighten immigration policies and control the flow of immigrants in the United States.
What programs could be affected by this new Trump policy?
Although the executive order does not specify which programs will be eliminated, federal agencies are instructed to identify and eliminate publicly funded benefits that favor individuals who are in the country illegally. Historically, undocumented immigrants do not have access to most federal aid, except in cases of medical emergencies.
Why does Trump argue that it is necessary to eliminate these benefits?
Trump argues that this aid encourages and supports illegal migration, which, according to his administration, represents a significant cost to American taxpayers. According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), taxpayers spend at least $182 billion annually due to the presence of illegal immigrants.
How does this affect "sanctuary" policies in states and municipalities?
The executive order also prohibits states and municipalities from using federal resources to fund "sanctuary" policies that limit cooperation with federal authorities responsible for the deportation of undocumented immigrants.
What has been the response of immigrant advocates to this new measure?
The advocates for undocumented immigrants have opposed the measure, arguing that these immigrants have significantly contributed to the social security system in the U.S. Despite being ineligible for many benefits, an analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that they have contributed tens of billions to the system.
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