Voice of America
20 Feb 2025, 22:05 GMT+10
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order aimed at ending federal benefits for people in the country illegally, the White House said Wednesday, his latest in a blizzard of moves to crack down on immigration.
The White House said the order seeks to end "all taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens," but it was not clear which benefits will be targeted. People in the country illegally generally do not qualify except for emergency medical care. Children are entitled to a free K-12 public education regardless of immigration status under a 1982 Supreme Court ruling.
The order notes that a 1996 welfare overhaul denies most public benefits to people in the country illegally but says that law has been gradually undermined. "Over the last 4 years, in particular, the prior administration repeatedly undercut the goals of that law, resulting in the improper expenditure of significant taxpayer resources."
Trump's words appear directed at former President Joe Biden's extensive use of parole authority to allow people in the country temporarily, including more than 900,000 through an online appointment app called CBP One used at border crossings with Mexico and more than 500,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans who flew to the United States at their own expense with a financial sponsor. Trump immediately ended both programs.
Biden also granted parole to nearly 300,000 people from Ukraine and Afghanistan.
People granted parole for at least a year are considered "qualified noncitizens," making them eligible for some income-based benefits, but only after five years. They include Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, which provides coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Some states have shortened the five-year wait.
Trump's order appears to have other targets, some already subjects of earlier edicts and Justice Department lawsuits. It directs all departments and agencies to identify federal benefit spending that is inconsistent with the 1996 welfare law. It also seeks to ensure that state and local governments are not using federal funds for policies that support "sanctuary" policies or encourage illegal immigration.
Trump signed 10 executive orders on immigration on his first day in office. They included ending automatic citizenship for people born in the United States and asylum at the southern border. The birthright citizenship order has been temporarily halted in court.
Get a daily dose of Tennis Times news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Tennis Times.
More Information(Photo credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens underwent a procedure to alleviate nerve pain in...
(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) Doug Nussmeier is headed back to the New Orleans Saints, who drafted the former NFL quarterback...
(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone signed a two-year contract extension that will...
Karachi [Pakistan], February 20 (ANI): Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy campaign opener against South Africa, Afghanistan skipper...
(250220) -- SHENZHEN, Feb. 20, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Ito Mima of Japan hits a return during the women's singles Group 7 match against Kuai...
(Photo credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images) Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. was suspended 25 games without pay by the NBA...
Hyderabad Telangana [India], February 20 (ANI): BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha clarified that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had 'no role'...
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA — U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order aimed at ending federal benefits for people in the country illegally,...
Saudi Arabia has maintained a neutral stance, promoting dialogue based on the pragmatic interests of all participants ...
Guwahati (Assam) [India], February 20 (ANI): After 44 days, the bodies of the remaining five miners who were trapped inside the flooded...
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 20 (ANI): Maharashtra Cyber Department has confirmed that a second summons will be issued to...
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], February 20 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday expressed confidence in the state...