Objectives of the Executive Order

In a statement by the Trump administration, the overarching goal of the executive order is clear: to ensure that “taxpayer resources” are directed towards protecting the interests of American citizens rather than extending aid to those residing unlawfully in the country.

Specifically, the order mandates that federal departments and agencies must identify and eliminate all federally funded programs that provide financial benefits to illegal immigrants. It also emphasizes that federal funding should not support “sanctuary” policies that shield illegal aliens from deportation.

“My Administration will uphold the rule of law, defend against the waste of hard-earned taxpayer resources, and protect benefits for American citizens in need, including individuals with disabilities and veterans,” the executive order states.

Commitment to American Citizens

A fact sheet released by the White House elaborated on Trump’s commitment to safeguard federal public benefits intended for American citizens, particularly vulnerable groups like individuals with disabilities and veterans. The executive order reinforces the administration’s broader immigration policies focused on prioritizing domestic needs over the needs of undocumented individuals.

The Cost of Illegal Immigration

The executive order comes in light of alarming statistics regarding the financial burden of illegal immigration on American taxpayers. The U.S. House Homeland Security Committee estimates that since January 2021, illegal immigration has cost taxpayers approximately 1 billion to care for illegal aliens and those who entered the country unlawfully.

Moreover, calculations from the Federation for American Immigration Reform indicate that American taxpayers are spending a staggering 2 billion annually to support about 20 million illegal aliens and their children. This figure breaks down into approximately .5 billion in federal expenditures, complemented by an additional 5.6 billion at the state and local level.

Research from the Center for Immigration Studies further indicates that the estimated cost for one million illegal immigrants could be as high as billion each year, primarily through welfare programs that, according to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, should not be accessible to individuals unlawfully residing in the U.S.

Impact of Parole Status on Welfare Eligibility

Despite some restrictions, illegal aliens who are granted parole can qualify as “qualified aliens” for welfare programs, allowing them to access certain benefits, with full eligibility established within five years. This nuance has raised concerns regarding the misuse of public funds and the intended restrictions placed upon benefits for non-citizens.

Criticism of the Biden Administration

Within the executive order, the Trump administration did not shy away from criticizing the previous administration under former President Joe Biden for what it termed as “enabling” illegal immigration. The order alleges that the Biden administration’s policies have resulted in a significant financial impact, claiming that federal and state taxpayers have spent over .2 billion on Medicaid-funded emergency services for illegal aliens due to Biden’s open borders approach.

“The Biden Administration gave billions in taxpayer dollars to left-wing groups that facilitated mass illegal migration and provided legal services to challenge deportation orders,” the fact sheet added.

FEMA’s Financial Involvement

Additionally, it has been reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated more than billion to support illegal aliens since 2021. This revelation has further fueled the Trump administration’s claims against the financial practices of the Biden administration, spotlighting the funding directed towards non-citizen residents.

Trump’s Ongoing Immigration Initiatives

This recent executive order aligns with Trump’s promises made during his campaign to secure U.S. borders and prioritize American interests. The White House fact sheet noted that “President Trump has delivered on his promise to secure the border and prioritize the needs of American citizens,” highlighting the actions taken since he took office on January 20.

Trump’s administration has consistently sought to impose stricter immigration policies and reduce the impact of illegal immigration on public services and resources, aiming to consolidate the support of his base that prioritizes strict immigration controls.