Fact Check: "Payments to illegal aliens will not come from taxpayers."
What We Know
Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a policy change that prohibits illegal aliens from accessing taxpayer-funded programs. This decision rescinds a previous interpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) that allowed certain federal benefits to be extended to illegal aliens. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. emphasized that this policy shift aims to ensure that taxpayer-funded benefits are reserved for American citizens, stating, “For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans’ tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration” (HHS Press Release).
In addition, the U.S. Department of Education has also taken steps to end taxpayer subsidization of illegal aliens in career and technical education programs. This aligns with the PRWORA's definition of federal public benefits, which limits eligibility to U.S. citizens and certain qualified aliens (Department of Education Press Release). The Department of Labor and the Department of Agriculture have similarly implemented measures to restrict illegal aliens from accessing various taxpayer-funded programs (Department of Labor Press Release, USDA Press Release).
Analysis
The claim that "payments to illegal aliens will not come from taxpayers" is supported by recent policy changes from multiple federal agencies, which explicitly state that taxpayer-funded benefits will no longer be available to illegal aliens. The HHS and Department of Education announcements reflect a broader effort to enforce existing laws that limit access to federal benefits based on immigration status.
The sources cited, including official press releases from HHS and the Department of Education, are credible as they come directly from government agencies responsible for implementing these policies. However, it is important to note that while these agencies are taking steps to restrict access, the overall impact of these changes on illegal immigration and taxpayer expenditures may vary. Critics of such policies argue that illegal immigrants still contribute to the tax system, albeit in limited ways, and that the fiscal implications of their presence are complex (Congress.gov, Budget House).
Moreover, while the policy changes are significant, they do not retroactively affect benefits already received, nor do they eliminate all forms of indirect taxpayer support that may still benefit illegal aliens, such as emergency services or public education. Therefore, while the claim holds true in the context of direct federal benefits, the broader fiscal impact remains a topic of debate.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "payments to illegal aliens will not come from taxpayers" is accurate based on recent policy changes by federal agencies that restrict access to taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens. These changes are designed to ensure that such benefits are reserved for eligible American citizens, aligning with the intent of existing federal laws.
Sources
- HHS Bans Illegal Aliens from Accessing its Taxpayer-Funded Programs
- U.S. Department of Education Ends Taxpayer Subsidization of Illegal Aliens
- HHS Bans Illegal Aliens from Accessing its Taxpayer-Funded Programs
- US Department of Labor moves to prevent illegal immigrants from utilizing taxpayer-funded workforce programs
- The Cost of Illegal Immigration to Taxpayers - Congress.gov
- Secretary Rollins Prevents Illegal Aliens from Receiving Taxpayer-Funded SNAP Benefits
- The Cost of Illegal Immigration to Taxpayers
- Taxpayer-Funded Benefits Are for American Citizens
