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The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that it will issue new regulations that will exclude illegal immigrants and other unqualified foreigners from access to several refundable tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Additional Child Tax Credit, the American Opportunity Tax Credit, and the Savers Tax Credit.
The measure, announced by the head of the government entity, is part of a drastic shift in the immigration policy following the new guidelines from President Donald Trump, who ordered the elimination of federal benefits for non-citizens.
In a statement released on social media, the Treasury explained that the proposal “will clarify that the reimbursed portions of certain income tax benefits will no longer be available to illegal foreigners,” following the president's instructions.
The decision aims, according to the government, to reserve tax credits exclusively for U.S. citizens amid an unprecedented climate of tightening immigration policies.
The announcement coincides with Trump's message during the Thanksgiving holiday, in which he accused the immigration policies of previous administrations of allowing the entry of "53 million foreigners," many of whom—according to his account—receive social benefits.
The president described this situation as a burden for "patriotic citizens" and promised to "eliminate all federal benefits and subsidies for non-citizens," in addition to deporting those he deems a "public charge."
"An immigrant earning $30,000 with a residency card receives approximately $50,000 in annual benefits for their family," stated the president in an extensive message where he also accused immigration of "dividing" and "destroying" the country.
Her publication served as a precursor to the Treasury announcement and was accompanied by new promises of "reverse migration", a process aimed at drastically reducing the number of migrants in U.S. territory.
The political offensive intensified after the attack in Washington D.C., in which an Afghan citizen shot at two members of the National Guard, resulting in the death of a soldier.
After the incident, the government confirmed the immediate suspension of all asylum decisions, stating that it is necessary to strengthen verification and security processes for foreigners.
"Ensuring the safety of the American people is always the top priority," stated USCIS.
With the new proposal from the Treasury, hundreds of thousands of immigrant families could lose access to credits that have traditionally helped offset low incomes and family expenses.
The administration has not specified how many migrants will be affected, but analysts point out that the impact will be profound among low-income households, including many with irregular immigration status who rely on these credits to stabilize their finances.
Meanwhile, immigrant advocacy organizations warn that these measures could increase economic marginalization, generate greater social insecurity, and push more families into poverty.
Trump, however, has made it clear that his goal is to restrict the benefits available to non-citizens as much as possible.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the scope of the Treasury's regulations, but what is clear is that the country is entering a new phase of tightening migration policies, driven by the White House and reinforced by administrative measures that directly impact millions of people.
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