
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is pushing forward with the America First Act, a legislative proposal aimed at blocking illegal immigrants from obtaining federal welfare benefits. During a recent Senate Budget Committee hearing, Lee highlighted the importance of ensuring taxpayer funds are reserved for American citizens, emphasizing that federal assistance should not serve as an incentive for illegal entry.
Lee first introduced the bill in December, arguing that illegal immigrants who have been allowed into the country under parole programs are unfairly accessing billions in aid meant for struggling American families. He criticized the Biden administration’s policies, stating they have facilitated these handouts and encouraged 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, including Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-TX), introduced a companion bill to support Lee’s effort. According to Roy, these benefits act as a magnet that continues to draw illegal immigrants into the country, straining resources and undermining border security efforts.
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
During the hearing, Office of Management and Budget nominee Russell T. Vought voiced his support for the measure, reaffirming that it aligns with President Donald Trump’s agenda to safeguard taxpayer dollars and prioritize the needs of Americans.
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
Trump has been vocal about addressing the border crisis through executive actions and legislation. His administration is advocating for additional measures like the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, and the VALID Act to prevent the Department of Homeland Security from transporting 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
Critics of the bill argue that it could lead to unintended consequences for communities relying on federal aid, but supporters insist that stopping benefits for illegal immigrants is a necessary step in tackling the border crisis and ensuring fairness for taxpayers.