President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at preventing undocumented immigrants from accessing federal benefits. The order’s goal is to ensure that taxpayer funds are not used to assist individuals residing in the country illegally. While details about which benefits will be restricted have not been fully disclosed, undocumented immigrants are generally not eligible for federal aid, aside from emergency medical services. Additionally, the Supreme Court has ruled that all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to free public education through 12th grade.
The executive order highlights the 1996 welfare reform law, which placed restrictions on benefits for unauthorized immigrants. According to the administration, past policies have weakened these restrictions, leading to unintended spending of taxpayer dollars. The order claims that previous administrations contributed to this issue by allowing government resources to be used in ways that were not originally permitted.
The order appears to undo certain measures introduced under former President Joe Biden. His administration had used parole authority to allow temporary entry to more than 900,000 people through the CBP One appointment system at border crossings with Mexico. Additionally, over 500,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela entered the U.S. through similar programs. These programs have now been discontinued under Trump.
Under Biden, nearly 300,000 people from Ukraine and Afghanistan were also granted parole. Those who received parole for more than a year became “qualified non-citizens,” meaning they could apply for benefits like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, though only after a mandatory five-year waiting period. Some states, however, have chosen to shorten this period.
Trump’s order also calls for a review of federal spending that may conflict with the 1996 welfare reform. Additionally, it seeks to prevent federal funds from being used to support sanctuary policies at the state and local levels.
On his first day in office, Trump signed ten immigration-related executive orders, including one aimed at ending automatic U.S. citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants and another restricting asylum at the southern border. However, the order on birthright citizenship has encountered legal challenges, delaying its implementation.
Another recently signed order instructs government agencies to review existing regulations in collaboration with a team led by Elon Musk, with the goal of improving efficiency. Some regulations may be modified or removed, though legal opposition is expected.
Additionally, the administration plans to eliminate several agencies and advisory committees. Among those targeted for closure are the United States Institute for Peace, which focuses on conflict resolution, the Inter-American Foundation, which supports Latin American communities, and the U.S. African Development Foundation, which funds development projects across Africa.
This executive action aligns with Trump’s broader strategy of reassessing federal programs and reshaping government spending.
