On July 10, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., made a crucial announcement to restrict access to taxpayer-funded welfare programs for illegal aliens. This move aligns with the perspectives held by many within the MAGA community, who believe it could lead to more individuals choosing to self-deport. In a press release, HHS clearly stated, “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced a significant policy shift to restore compliance with federal law and ensure that taxpayer-funded program benefits intended for the American people are not diverted to subsidize illegal aliens.”
The agency highlighted how the previous rule, enacted during the Clinton administration, improperly allowed illegal aliens to benefit from federal programs. Specifically, HHS rescinded a 1998 interpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which had limited the interpretation of federal public benefits. The new approach emphasizes adherence to the law, ensuring that taxpayer-funded resources are allocated fairly. “For over two decades, the 1998 policy improperly narrowed the scope of PRWORA,” HHS noted, reaffirming that benefits are intended for American citizens.
RFK Jr. expressed deep frustration over the misuse of taxpayer dollars, saying, “For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans’ tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration.” He stressed the importance of maintaining the rule of law and safeguarding vital taxpayer resources. “Today’s action changes that… it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people,” he asserted.
HHS Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a commitment to prioritizing American families. Gradison stated, “Alongside HHS, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is committed to providing and protecting resources that serve America’s most vulnerable.” His comments showcased the intent to clarify eligibility restrictions and ensure that taxpayer-funded programs serve their intended purpose—supporting American households, not illegal aliens.
This policy update reflects a significant shift in federal benefits administration, marking a proactive step to uphold American interests in the welfare system. It represents an effort to reestablish trust in how taxpayer funds are managed and distributed, turning the focus back toward the people who have built and sustained the nation.
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