President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, aimed at ending the subsidization of illegal immigration through federal benefits. Titled Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders, the order directs federal agencies to ensure that taxpayer-funded benefits are not provided to individuals unlawfully present in the United States.
The executive order reaffirms the principles of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), which prohibits illegal aliens from accessing most taxpayer-funded benefits.
The order criticizes previous administrations, particularly the Biden administration, for undermining these principles and allowing the improper expenditure of taxpayer resources.
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Key Provisions of the Executive Order
- Preserving Federal Public Benefits:
The order directs federal agencies to:- Identify all federally funded programs that currently permit illegal aliens to receive cash or non-cash public benefits.
- Ensure that federal payments to states and localities do not facilitate illegal immigration or support “sanctuary” policies that shield illegal aliens from deportation.
- Enhance eligibility verification systems to prevent ineligible individuals from accessing taxpayer-funded benefits.
- Review and Recommendations:
Within 30 days, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Digital Service, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, must:- Identify all other sources of federal funding that may benefit illegal aliens.
- Recommend additional actions to align federal spending with the order’s goals and improve eligibility verification systems.
- Enforcement:
Agencies are required to refer cases of improper receipt or use of federal benefits to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for appropriate action.
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In the order, President Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting taxpayer resources, and ensuring that benefits are reserved for American citizens in need, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
“The plain text of federal law, including the PRWORA, generally prohibits illegal aliens from obtaining most taxpayer-funded benefits,” the order states. “But in the decades since the passage of the PRWORA, numerous administrations have acted to undermine the principles and limitations directed by Congress.”
The order specifically criticizes the Biden administration for policies that “undercut the goals of that law, resulting in the improper expenditure of significant taxpayer resources.”
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The executive order is part of President Trump’s broader efforts to tighten immigration enforcement and reduce incentives for illegal immigration. Since taking office in 2025, the Trump administration has prioritized policies aimed at securing the border, increasing deportations, and limiting access to public benefits for undocumented immigrants.
The order also aligns with the administration’s focus on fiscal responsibility, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. By targeting programs that may inadvertently benefit illegal aliens, the administration aims to redirect resources toward programs that support American citizens and legal residents.
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