
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) has renewed efforts to prevent illegal immigrants from accessing federal assistance through the America First Act. The bill, introduced in December, is designed to restrict welfare programs to American citizens, closing what Lee describes as a costly loophole that encourages illegal immigration.
Lee highlighted the need for the legislation during a Senate Budget Committee hearing, stating that the current system allows illegal immigrants to tap into billions of dollars in welfare meant for struggling American families. He argued that the bill would restore integrity to federal spending and reinforce border security efforts.
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
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-TX) are backing the initiative with a similar bill in the House. Roy emphasized that the lure of government benefits is contributing to the border crisis, while Arrington pointed out that stopping these payouts could lead to significant financial savings.
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 affirmed that the bill aligns with President Donald Trump’s priorities. The administration has consistently pushed for policies that put American citizens first, including measures to curb illegal immigration and enforce stronger voting security.
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
Critics of the bill have voiced concerns about potential negative effects on communities with large immigrant populations. However, proponents argue that continuing to fund illegal immigrants through federal programs weakens the system and puts an unfair strain on taxpayers.
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
As Trump’s administration pushes for stricter immigration policies, the America First Act is expected to be a focal point of Republican legislative efforts to cut costs and enhance border enforcement.