
Republican lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that would block illegal immigrants from collecting federal welfare benefits, an issue they say has worsened under the Biden administration. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the America First Act in December to curb what he calls the misuse of taxpayer funds by those who have entered the country illegally.
Speaking during a recent Senate Budget Committee hearing, Lee emphasized that billions of dollars in welfare and other aid programs are being accessed by illegal immigrants, diverting resources intended for American families. He stressed that the bill is a necessary step to correct what he described as a longstanding failure to protect taxpayers.
My America First Act bans illegal immigrants from receiving welfare and other benefits meant for American citizens.
“That’s exactly the type of reforms the President ran on.”
-Russ Vought, Trump’s next OMB Director pic.twitter.com/Qk8ENuvaDQ— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 22, 2025
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-TX) are leading efforts in the House to support Lee’s initiative. The proposed legislation is projected to save more than $177 billion by cutting off federal aid to illegal immigrants, which Roy says has fueled the surge of border crossings.
News: Thankfully Senator Mike Lee takes it one step further with his “America First Act.”
It will officially ban illegal aliens from receiving welfare and other benefits that are designed to assist American citizens when they need it most.
Now even though this should be common… https://t.co/EjLYWu78Zx pic.twitter.com/PYRU0RlJJ7
— Tom Homan – Border Czar Commentary and Updates (@TomHoman_) January 22, 2025
Office of Management and Budget nominee Russell T. Vought backed the legislation during the hearing, stating it aligns with President Donald Trump’s goals of securing the border and enforcing stricter immigration policies. The administration has also prioritized efforts such as the SAVE Act, aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from voting in federal elections.
I have just re-introduced the America First Act for the 119th Congress.
Biden’s massive abuse of parole for millions of illegal immigrants has allowed them to access welfare and other government benefits meant for American citizens.
It’s going to stop. https://t.co/Xi2NUwENhw
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 9, 2025
Democrats have voiced opposition to the bill, arguing it could negatively impact local economies and communities with high immigrant populations. However, proponents of the legislation maintain that reducing federal assistance to illegal immigrants is critical to restoring fiscal responsibility and border security.
My bill, the America First Act, would stop illegal immigrants and other noncitizens from receiving federal welfare benefits
Do you support that idea?
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) January 22, 2025
Supporters say the passage of the America First Act is a key part of fulfilling Trump’s campaign promises to American voters, reinforcing efforts to secure the southern border and ensure federal programs serve citizens first.