President Donald Trump has once again made headlines with his latest executive order, a move aimed squarely at eliminating taxpayer funds that are used to “incentivize” the arrival of illegal immigrants. Signed late Wednesday, the order declares that taxpayer dollars must be reserved for American citizens—not for individuals entering the country illegally. In a dramatic twist that has ignited intense political debate, Trump’s directive calls for federal and state programs to be reined in, so that funds are no longer used to bolster initiatives that might act as a magnet for new arrivals.
According to the text of the order, authorities are now directed to restrict any federal or state program that allocates money in ways that could be seen as promoting illegal immigration. Trump’s administration is emphasizing that protecting American citizens—especially those in need, including people with disabilities and veterans—should be the top priority. “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,” the order states. A White House fact sheet obtained by Fox News further explains that President Trump is committed to safeguarding federal public benefits for those who truly qualify.
The executive order comes amid growing concerns over the astronomical cost of illegal immigration. Over the past three years, illegal immigration has reportedly cost taxpayers an estimated $451 billion—a figure driven by record numbers of migrants crossing the border in response to policies implemented by the Biden-Harris administration. Some experts even suggest that there could be as many as 11 million illegal immigrants residing in the United States today.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform estimates that Trump’s new order could potentially save taxpayers at least $182 billion annually. This staggering amount is based on calculations of the costs associated with housing, feeding, and providing other benefits to an estimated 20 million illegal immigrants and their children. Of these expenses, approximately $66.5 billion is funded by the federal government, with the balance coming from state and local sources. Supporters of the order argue that these savings would help redirect essential funds toward programs that benefit American families and communities.
Critics of current immigration policies point out that despite the restrictions set forth by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, many illegal immigrants eventually become “qualified” for welfare programs. After living in the country for a certain period—typically five years—these individuals can gain full eligibility for federal benefits. Trump’s order is designed to put an end to this loophole, ensuring that taxpayer money is used strictly for those who are legally entitled to it.
The order also takes aim at “sanctuary” policies, which have long been a point of contention between federal authorities and local governments. While some blue-state cities like New York and Philadelphia have resisted labeling themselves as sanctuaries, other local leaders, such as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, have vowed to fight federal efforts to deport illegal immigrants from their cities. Trump’s directive underscores his commitment to curtailing these policies, asserting that such measures undermine the rule of law and jeopardize the welfare of American citizens.
In a scathing critique, the White House fact sheet places the blame squarely on former President Joe Biden. It accuses his administration of “enabling” illegal immigration by funneling billions in taxpayer dollars to left-wing groups that facilitated mass migration and provided legal services to challenge deportation orders. “President Trump has delivered on his promise to secure the border and prioritize the needs of American citizens, taking immediate action to put an end to the previous Administration’s border crisis,” the fact sheet states.
