Fact Check: Cash assistance will be provided to illegal immigrants in Los Angeles.

Fact Check: "Cash assistance will be provided to illegal immigrants in Los Angeles."

What We Know

The claim that cash assistance will be provided to illegal immigrants in Los Angeles is supported by the existence of the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI). This program, established by the State of California, provides financial support to certain undocumented immigrants who are not eligible for federal benefits due to their immigration status. According to the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), approximately 9,700 individuals in Los Angeles County currently receive an average of $1,077 per month through CAPI, which is entirely funded by the state and not reliant on federal funding. The program specifically targets vulnerable populations, including those who are elderly or disabled.

In addition, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has signed an executive order to bolster support for immigrant communities, which includes offering cash assistance to those affected by federal immigration enforcement actions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect immigrant neighborhoods from potential raids and deportations, as noted in a Fox News report.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it is backed by official statements from the California government and the Los Angeles County DPSS. The CAPI program has been in place since 1998 and serves as a crucial safety net for undocumented immigrants who are unable to access federal benefits due to their legal status. The funding structure of CAPI, which relies solely on state funds, is confirmed by multiple sources, including the New York Times and the Department of Homeland Security.

Moreover, Mayor Bass's recent executive order to provide cash assistance in response to federal immigration enforcement reflects a proactive approach to support vulnerable immigrant populations. This aligns with the city's status as a sanctuary city, which aims to protect undocumented residents from deportation and provide them with essential services.

While some may argue against such programs, citing concerns about prioritizing undocumented immigrants over citizens, the legal framework allows states to provide benefits to residents regardless of immigration status, as noted by legal experts like Tanya Broder from the National Immigration Law Center. This perspective highlights that the CAPI program is not only legal but also a necessary response to the needs of vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that cash assistance will be provided to illegal immigrants in Los Angeles is accurate. The existence of the CAPI program, along with recent initiatives by Mayor Karen Bass to expand cash assistance for affected immigrant communities, confirms that such support is indeed being offered. The program is legally sanctioned and serves a critical role in providing financial aid to those who are often marginalized and in need.