Illegal immigrants in the United States are eligible for a range of services, assistance, and benefits through a complex network of federal, state, and local programs. These benefits are often justified by the presence of U.S.-born children in immigrant households or through specific legal classifications such as asylum seekers or parolees. Conservative analysts argue that these benefits act as a "pull factor," encouraging further illegal immigration, while the financial burden falls heavily on American taxpayers.
The Scope of the Migrant Crisis
The scale of immigration under the current administration has been described as unprecedented. In fiscal year 2023 alone, there were 2.4 million migrant crossings in the U.S., setting a new record. Since 2021, more than 7 million individuals have entered the country, with nearly 7.3 million crossing the southern border during President Biden's watch. While some have been returned or deported, many are processed and released into the interior of the country with a notice to appear in immigration court—often years in the future due to a backlog of nearly 3.6 million cases.
Many of these migrants have spent thousands of dollars paying smugglers to guide them to the border, leaving them with few resources upon arrival. While some receive assistance from family members already in the U.S., others rely on public assistance programs to survive.
Eligibility for Welfare Benefits
Contrary to common belief, illegal aliens can become eligible for a wide array of taxpayer-funded welfare benefits. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), outlays for "benefits provided to immigrants in the surge population and their children" are projected to total $177 billion by fiscal year 2034.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimated that federal expenditures on illegal aliens in 2023 totaled nearly $66.5 billion. These costs are driven by various programs that extend eligibility to illegal aliens, particularly through their U.S.-born children.
Key Programs and Costs
The following programs are among those from which illegal aliens can receive benefits:
- Food Stamps (SNAP): The total estimated cost to American taxpayers for providing SNAP to the children of illegal aliens is almost $5.8 billion.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): The cost for providing TANF benefits to U.S.-born children of illegal aliens is approximately $1.43 billion.
- Child Tax Credits (CTC): Illegal alien households received approximately $13.4 billion in child tax credits in 2022 for the 2021 tax year. Following the expiration of elevated credits, this amount is expected to be around $5.4 billion going forward.
- Medicaid and CHIP: The CBO projects $40 billion in outlays for Medicaid and CHIP for the surge population by FY 2034. The House Budget Committee noted a $16.2 billion increase in Medicaid-funded emergency services for illegal immigrants under the Biden-Harris administration, a 124% increase compared to the same period under the Trump administration. This is in addition to $9 billion in executive action to provide Obamacare benefits to illegal immigrants.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and CTC: The CBO estimates $43 billion in outlays for EITC and CTC by FY 2034.
- Obamacare Premium Tax Credits: The CBO estimates $59 billion in outlays by FY 2034.
- Child Nutrition Programs: The CBO estimates $13 billion in outlays by FY 2034.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): The CBO estimates $4 billion in outlays by FY 2034.
Other programs mentioned as accessible to illegal aliens include the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Medicare, Pell Grants, student loans, Head Start, public housing, and the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF).
The "Pull Factor" Argument
Conservatives argue that providing these benefits serves as a significant "pull factor" for migrants. Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundation's Border Security and Immigration Center, stated, "Illegal aliens coming to America want five things: to enter the U.S.; stay here; work; send money home; and bring or have family here. All these benefits help illegal aliens stay in the U.S., so, yes, the benefits are a pull factor."
Ries also highlighted that legal services for civil deportation hearings are provided to illegal immigrants, a benefit that U.S. citizens do not receive. She warned that the millions entering under the Biden administration will necessitate significant tax increases, leaving Americans with less money for essentials like gas, groceries, and rent.
Controversy Over Direct Payments
The debate over benefits extended to illegal immigrants reached a fever pitch regarding potential direct payments. In late 2021, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Biden administration was considering payments of up to $450,000 each to illegal aliens who were separated from their children at the border in 2018. A family of four could have received nearly $2 million.
President Biden initially dismissed the reports as "garbage," but White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre later indicated the administration might be open to it. Biden subsequently stated that such immigrants "deserve some kind of compensation." The controversy stemmed from a lawsuit by the ACLU on behalf of illegal-alien families claiming their constitutional rights were violated during detention.
Legislative Efforts to Restrict Benefits
In response to these issues, Republicans have introduced legislation to restrict access to benefits. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced the "America First Act," which would remove eligibility for various benefits from noncitizens, including those paroled into the U.S., granted asylum, or withheld from deportation.
The bill aims to explicitly exclude these individuals from programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, and certain housing benefits. Lee stated, "For years, Americans have been told that illegal immigrants are barred from receiving federal benefits to distract from Washington’s complete failure to secure our borders. This is a lie."
Conclusion
The availability of taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants is a contentious issue with significant financial implications. While federal law generally bars illegal aliens from receiving federal public benefits, numerous exceptions and loopholes—often related to the presence of U.S.-born children—allow access to a wide array of programs. These include food assistance, cash aid, tax credits, and healthcare. The costs are substantial, with estimates reaching tens of billions annually. Proponents of stricter immigration control argue these benefits incentivize illegal immigration and burden American taxpayers, while legislative efforts continue to seek tighter restrictions on eligibility.