The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced a ban on illegal immigrants accessing the agency’s taxpayer-funded benefits. Since 1998, HHS had interpreted the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to allow illegal immigrants to receive certain federal public benefits. This interpretation, established during the Clinton administration, has now been officially rescinded.
HHS Secretary Kennedy stated, “For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans’ tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration. 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.” The benefits no longer accessible to illegal immigrants include programs like Head Start, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, family planning, and various educational grants.
Meanwhile, Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) criticized the Democratic Party’s handling of border security under President Biden. In a recent debate, Fetterman admitted that allowing millions of migrants into the country over the past four years has been a “mistake” that handed Republicans a strong campaign issue. He expressed support for President Trump’s proposed $150 billion investment in border security, acknowledging he has lost some support in his party for this stance.
Fetterman highlighted that about 260,000 to 300,000 people are crossing the border monthly—roughly the population of Pittsburgh—calling it a “national security issue” and “chaos.” Republican Sen. Dave McCormick added that illegal immigration during Biden’s term has effectively added a population equal to Pennsylvania’s entire 13 million residents.
President Trump has long advocated for mass deportations, though his efforts have faced legal challenges. Recently, for the first time in nearly two decades, a leading poll showed a majority of voters believe the country is moving in the “right direction” under Trump’s policies.
