The president is looking out for the common American. It’s something the Democrats have failed to do.
And Donald Trump just gave taxpayers a huge gift with this gigantic order.
Trump Orders Crackdown on Federal Aid to Illegal Migrants
President Donald Trump has taken decisive action to ensure that federal funds are not being funneled to illegal migrants through hidden channels. Late Wednesday, he signed an executive order titled “Preserving Federal Benefits for American Citizens,” directing agencies to review their regulations and spending programs to eliminate unauthorized financial support for illegal immigrants.
This policy has the potential to save American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars annually. However, the full economic impact will take time to materialize as federal agencies work through the process of identifying aid programs, implementing policy changes, fending off legal challenges, and rewriting regulations to prevent future spending leaks.
Democrats have already voiced strong opposition to the measure, as the financial flow supports their extensive network of government agencies and non-profits. Many within the Democratic Party also see these funds as a way to attract migrants to the U.S. and anchor them within American society by providing subsidized employment, housing, education, and government benefits.
At the same time, Trump’s move is likely to fuel opposition from media allies of the Democratic Party, who will highlight personal stories of struggling migrants to push back against the policy. Expect to see images of mothers and children facing hardship dominating TV news cycles as part of a broader campaign against Trump’s immigration policies.
The issue is especially relevant in states like California and Illinois, where Democratic leadership has expanded access to healthcare and social services for illegal migrants. Estimates suggest the illegal migrant population in the U.S. is at least 13.7 million, adding significant financial strain to state and local budgets.
A White House fact sheet explained the reasoning behind the executive order: “The surge in illegal immigration, enabled by the previous Administration, is siphoning dollars and essential services from American citizens while state and local budgets grow increasingly strained. … According to the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), providing welfare to one million illegal aliens could cost American taxpayers an additional $3 billion annually. The U.S. House Homeland Security Committee estimated that taxpayers could pay as much as $451 billion to care for [roughly 9 million] illegal aliens and gotaways that have entered the United States unlawfully since January 2021.”
Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), praised the move, stating, “Today’s action by the Trump administration will save American taxpayers billions of dollars a year as every federal agency and department will be required to identify all federally funded programs currently providing any benefits to illegal aliens and take corrective action.” He further emphasized that the availability of public benefits has been a major driver of illegal immigration and a burden on American taxpayers.
Most migrants come to the U.S. seeking employment rather than direct welfare benefits. However, many struggle to earn sufficient wages to support themselves and their families. The Democratic Party has long worked to prevent visible poverty among these populations by channeling billions of dollars to them through legal loopholes and policy exemptions.
One example is the approximately one million migrants who were incorrectly granted “parole” entry into the U.S. and now qualify for federal aid in housing, child nutrition, education, and job training. Additionally, when an illegal migrant gives birth in the U.S., she can access numerous welfare programs as the guardian of an American citizen.
This influx of financial assistance enables many migrants to secure jobs and housing, often pushing out American workers who might otherwise fill those roles. Employers are incentivized to hire migrants at lower wages, knowing that government subsidies will supplement their income through food assistance, housing aid, and direct cash benefits. For instance, many Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, receive aid through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps).
Under the Biden administration, federal agencies, with the backing of Democratic lawmakers and some Republican appropriators, have quietly allocated over $30 billion to support migrants. The Department of Health and Human Services alone spent $22.6 billion on migrant assistance through various non-profits, a figure uncovered by the watchdog group OpenTheBooks.
In addition to direct funding, non-cash government aid is frequently distributed to illegal migrants through a vast network of non-profits, government agencies, and state programs. For instance, up until this week, approximately 26,000 migrant youths received taxpayer-funded legal representation to help them secure green cards. This $200 million per year initiative was run through the Department of the Interior, which awarded grants to non-profits that then distributed them to small law firms.
Similarly, under the Biden administration, staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs were reportedly used to direct new migrants toward programs that provide taxpayer-funded healthcare.
Democrats have also directed substantial funds to migrant resettlement efforts. In North Carolina, at least $750 million was spent to settle new arrivals, with additional disaster funding allocated to assist migrants affected by recent flooding.
Trump’s executive order aims to put an end to these practices, ensuring that federal resources are used to support American citizens rather than subsidizing illegal immigration.
As agencies begin implementing the order, expect fierce political battles, legal challenges, and ongoing scrutiny over the actual impact of this sweeping policy change.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
