Former President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order designed to prevent taxpayer money from being used to support illegal immigration and undocumented individuals. The Trump administration emphasized that the primary aim of this order is to ensure that taxpayer funds are allocated to protect the interests of American citizens, rather than being diverted to support those residing in the country illegally.

The executive order mandates that federal agencies identify and terminate all federally funded programs that provide financial benefits to illegal immigrants. It also seeks to prevent federal funds from supporting "sanctuary city" policies. The order states, "My Administration will uphold the rule of law, defend against the waste of hard-earned taxpayer resources, and protect benefits for American citizens in need, including individuals with disabilities and veterans."

A White House fact sheet accompanying the executive order reiterated the administration's commitment to safeguarding federal public benefits for American citizens in genuine need, particularly those with disabilities and veterans. The fact sheet highlighted the significant financial burden of illegal immigration, citing estimates from the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee that American taxpayers have spent approximately $451 billion since January 2021 caring for illegal immigrants and those who evaded apprehension.

The order also referenced calculations from the Federation for American Immigration Reform, indicating that American taxpayers spend at least $182 billion annually to cover the costs associated with an estimated 20 million illegal immigrants and their children. This figure includes $66.5 billion in federal expenses and an additional $115.6 billion in state and local expenses. Furthermore, the Center for Immigration Studies estimates that one million illegal immigrants could cost taxpayers $3 billion annually through welfare programs, despite the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 generally prohibiting such benefits for those unlawfully present in the U.S.

The Trump administration criticized the Biden administration for what it characterized as enabling illegal immigration and allocating funds to support it. The executive order noted that federal and state taxpayers paid over $16.2 billion to provide Medicaid-funded emergency services to illegal immigrants under the Biden administration's policies, according to a Congressional Budget Office estimate. The administration also highlighted that FEMA has allocated more than $1 billion to illegal immigrants since 2021.

This executive order aligns with Trump's campaign promises to prioritize border security and put American interests first. The White House fact sheet emphasized Trump's commitment to these goals, highlighting his administration's actions to address the border situation since taking office.