
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is leading an effort to prevent illegal immigrants from accessing federal welfare programs. The America First Act, introduced in December, seeks to block those paroled into the country from benefiting from aid originally intended for American citizens.
During a Senate Budget Committee hearing, Lee underscored his concern that federal resources have been improperly allocated to non-citizens under policies enacted during the Biden administration. He argued that the current system encourages illegal entry and strains resources meant for struggling American families.
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
The House has introduced a corresponding bill, spearheaded by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-TX), estimating that removing illegal immigrants from welfare programs could save taxpayers over $177 billion. Roy emphasized that cutting off these benefits would help deter further illegal immigration.
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 expressed his support for the bill during the hearing, stating that it aligns with President Donald Trump’s commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and prioritizing American interests.
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
Since returning to office, Trump has taken immediate action to secure the border and strengthen immigration enforcement. His administration is also pushing for passage of the SAVE Act, which would require voter ID for federal elections, and the VALID Act, designed to restrict the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to transport illegal immigrants.
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
Opposition to the America First Act is expected from Democratic lawmakers who argue that these measures could harm vulnerable populations. However, supporters insist that ending these programs for illegal immigrants is necessary to prioritize American families and reduce incentives for illegal crossings.