Fact Check: "Illegal aliens should not receive taxpayer-funded education benefits."
What We Know
Recent policy changes by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Education have reinforced the stance that illegal aliens should not receive taxpayer-funded education benefits. On July 10, 2025, HHS announced a significant policy shift, formally rescinding a 1998 interpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) that allowed certain federal public benefits to be accessed by illegal aliens. This change aims to ensure that taxpayer-funded programs are reserved for American citizens and legal residents (HHS).
The U.S. Department of Education also issued a similar directive on the same day, stating that it would end taxpayer subsidization of illegal aliens in career, technical, and adult education programs. This interpretive rule rescinds previous guidance that erroneously allowed non-qualified illegal aliens to access federal public benefits, aligning with the intent of PRWORA, which limits eligibility for federal public benefits to U.S. citizens and certain qualified aliens (Department of Education).
Analysis
The claims made by HHS and the Department of Education are supported by the legal framework established by PRWORA, which clearly delineates eligibility for federal public benefits. The law was designed to restrict access to taxpayer-funded programs for illegal aliens, and the recent policy updates are seen as a restoration of compliance with this legal standard (HHS, Department of Education).
The credibility of these sources is high, as they are official statements from government agencies responsible for enforcing federal laws and regulations. The HHS and the Department of Education have both cited Executive Order 14218, which emphasizes the need to end taxpayer subsidization of illegal immigration, as a basis for their policy changes (White House, Executive Order).
Critics of these policies may argue that they could negatively impact educational opportunities for children of illegal immigrants. However, the policies are framed as necessary measures to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to benefit American citizens and legal residents, thus reflecting a broader political and legal consensus on the issue (Washington Post).
Conclusion
The claim that "illegal aliens should not receive taxpayer-funded education benefits" is True. This conclusion is based on the recent policy changes by HHS and the Department of Education, which align with the legal framework established by PRWORA. These agencies have taken steps to ensure that taxpayer-funded benefits are reserved for American citizens and legal residents, thereby reinforcing the claim.
Sources
- HHS Bans Illegal Aliens from Accessing its Taxpayer-Funded Programs
- U.S. Department of Education Ends Taxpayer Subsidization of Postsecondary Education for Illegal Aliens
- Taxpayer-Funded Benefits Are for American Citizens — Not Illegals
- HHS Bans Illegal Aliens from Accessing its Taxpayer-Funded Programs
- Secretary Rollins Prevents Illegal Aliens from Receiving Taxpayer-Funded SNAP Benefits
- Congresswoman Houchin Introduces Legislation Blocking Taxpayer-Funded College Prep for Illegal Aliens
- Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders
- Trump administration to block undocumented kids from receiving taxpayer-funded benefits
