Sen. Mike Lee Introduces Bill To End Welfare For Illegal Immigrants

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is pushing a legislative effort to block illegal immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded welfare benefits. The America First Act, introduced in December 2024, aims to halt the flow of billions of dollars in federal assistance that Lee argues should be reserved for American families.

During a Senate Budget Committee hearing on Wednesday, Lee stressed that his proposal would prevent the Biden-era policy of granting welfare to illegal immigrants paroled into the country. The Utah senator accused Washington of misleading the public by falsely claiming illegal immigrants do not qualify for federal aid. He asserted that the existing system encourages further illegal crossings.

House lawmakers have introduced a companion bill to Lee’s initiative. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-TX) are leading the effort, estimating the legislation could save taxpayers more than $177 billion. Roy argued that continued access to public benefits only fuels the migrant crisis by serving as an incentive for more illegal crossings.

Russell T. Vought, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Management and Budget, backed the proposal during the hearing, stating that the reforms align with the administration’s priorities. Vought said Trump’s campaign focused on securing the border and ensuring that taxpayer money supports American citizens, not illegal immigrants.

President Trump has already signed multiple executive orders aimed at immigration enforcement, including directives to bolster border security and ramp up deportations. His administration has urged Congress to move quickly on additional measures such as the SAVE Act, which mandates voter ID requirements for federal elections, and the VALID Act, which restricts the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to relocate illegal immigrants across the country.

The push to cut benefits for illegal immigrants is expected to face significant opposition from Democrats, who argue that many immigrants rely on federal aid to survive. Despite the expected resistance, Republicans insist that ending these benefits is a necessary step in prioritizing American taxpayers and restoring control at the border.