Sen. Mike Lee Pushes Bill To End Welfare Benefits For Illegal Immigrants

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is leading the charge to halt welfare benefits for illegal immigrants with his America First Act, a legislative effort aimed at cutting off taxpayer-funded assistance to non-citizens. The bill, introduced in December 2024, seeks to prevent illegal immigrants paroled into the United States from accessing social programs meant for American families.
During a Senate Budget Committee hearing on Wednesday, Lee stressed the importance of the legislation, stating that it is time to put an end to what he described as a “criminal redistribution scheme” that burdens taxpayers. The Utah senator argued that while Americans have long been assured that illegal immigrants cannot receive federal benefits, millions have been able to do so under policies implemented by the Biden administration.
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
Lee was joined by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-TX), who introduced a companion bill in the House. Arrington emphasized that the legislation could result in substantial taxpayer savings, estimating the measure would cut more than $177 billion in spending.
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
Roy echoed the sentiment, stating that the current system acts as an incentive for illegal immigration. “Providing welfare to illegal immigrants only encourages more to cross our borders,” he said, arguing that the bill is crucial to restoring fiscal responsibility and ensuring benefits go to American citizens.
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
Office of Management and Budget Director nominee Russell T. Vought voiced his support for the initiative, affirming that the America First Act aligns with President Donald Trump’s commitment to putting American citizens first.
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
President Trump’s second term has focused heavily on immigration reforms, with several executive orders already issued to curb illegal border crossings and expedite deportations. The administration has urged Congress to act swiftly in passing legislation that strengthens border security and limits the financial strain illegal immigration places on federal resources.
In addition to Lee’s legislation, Trump’s allies in Congress are also pushing forward other measures, including the SAVE Act, which mandates voter ID requirements for federal elections, and the VALID Act, designed to prevent the Department of Homeland Security from using technology to facilitate the transportation of illegal immigrants across the country.
As Republicans in both chambers rally around these measures, the debate over immigration continues to intensify, with Democrats opposing efforts to restrict benefits and enforce stricter border policies.