Trump Ends Federal Assistance for Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending federal assistance for undocumented immigrants in the United States, alleging that such benefits misuse taxpayer resources. This move is part of a broader agenda in Trump's second term to tighten immigration policies and manage the influx of immigrants into the country.

The order, released by the White House, did not immediately specify which programs would be impacted, but it directed federal agencies to pinpoint and eliminate public-funded benefits that assist individuals residing illegally in the nation. Historically, undocumented immigrants are barred from most federal aid, except in cases of medical emergencies, and many families hesitate to enroll in programs they might qualify for, according to the National Immigration Law Center.

The White House asserted that this directive aims to "ensure that federal funds are not used to encourage or support illegal immigration." Additionally, it mandates that states and municipalities must not use federal resources to finance "sanctuary" policies, which restrict cooperation with federal authorities in deporting undocumented immigrants.

The measure highlights that the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates American taxpayers spend at least $182 billion annually on costs associated with the presence of 20 million illegal immigrants and their children. This includes $66.5 billion in federal expenses and an additional $115.6 billion in state and local expenditures.

In its rationale, the Trump administration accused President Joe Biden's government of undermining the 1996 welfare reform law, which limits federal aid access for illegal immigrants. The White House also pointed out that under Biden, spending on these aids has significantly increased, benefiting undocumented immigrants who, according to Trump, have received resources intended for U.S. citizens.

Conversely, advocates for undocumented immigrants opposed the move, arguing that these individuals have contributed to the U.S. social security system significantly. They cited an analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, which estimates that these migrants have injected tens of billions into the system despite being ineligible for many benefits.

Since the start of his second term, Trump has enacted several controversial measures against immigrants. According to a White House report, these include:

• Declaring a national emergency at the southern border.
• Deploying additional personnel at the border, including military and National Guard members.
• Restarting the construction of the border wall.
• Designating international cartels and other criminal organizations – such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua – as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
• Suspending the entry of immigrants into the U.S.
• Requiring more stringent assessments and reviews of immigrants.
• Identifying countries that justify a partial or total suspension of their nationals' admission.
• Resuming the detention and removal of immigrants who violate federal laws.
• Directing the administration to reestablish the Migrant Protection Protocols – known as "Remain in Mexico" – as soon as possible.
• Ending the use of the CBP One application.
• Terminating all categorical parole programs, such as the “Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans,” which contradict Trump's immigration agenda.
• Ending automatic citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.
• Pausing the operation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).
• Ending the "catch and release" policy.
• Revoking Biden's executive actions that Trump claims opened the southern border.
• Detaining illegal immigrants, labeling them as criminals, and sending some to the Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba.