
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is pushing legislation to block illegal immigrants from collecting federal benefits, arguing it is a burden on American taxpayers. The America First Act, first introduced in December, seeks to prevent those granted parole into the country from accessing aid programs originally meant for U.S. citizens.
During a Senate Budget Committee hearing, Lee reiterated that the bill is necessary to address what he called a long-standing loophole allowing millions of illegal immigrants to drain taxpayer resources. The bill is supported by House lawmakers, including Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-TX), who introduced a companion version.
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
Roy has stressed that the continued availability of benefits to illegal immigrants is drawing more people across the border, arguing that the legislation would remove a key incentive. Arrington has echoed similar concerns, stating that the bill could save over $177 billion in taxpayer funds.
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 voiced support for the bill, stating it aligns with President Donald Trump’s commitment to prioritizing American interests and securing the border. Trump’s administration has also been pushing other immigration-related policies, including stricter ID requirements for voting and enhanced border enforcement measures.
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
The legislation has faced opposition from Democrats, who argue that cutting aid could lead to unintended consequences for local communities. However, Lee and his supporters insist that ending access to federal programs for illegal immigrants is necessary to uphold fairness and accountability in government spending.
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
The America First Act is part of a broader legislative push by Republicans to tackle immigration issues and strengthen enforcement under Trump’s leadership.