
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.