JUST IN: Trump Slashes All Federal Benefits For Illegals

A new executive order by President Donald Trump seeks to snuff out any taxpayer funds being used to “incentivize” the arrival of illegal immigrants into the U.S., he announced Thursday.

The order, signed late Wednesday, will ensure “taxpayer resources are used to protect the interests of American citizens, not illegal aliens,” according to its text. It directs authorities to restrict any federal or state program from accessing and distributing federal funds toward any initiative that could be interpreted as a “magnet” for new arrivals.

These include “sanctuary” policies in blue cities and states, which have been torn over how or whether to push back against new policies by the Trump administration. In some places, like New York and Philadelphia, local leaders refused to describe their municipalities in sanctuary terms, while Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has vowed to oppose all federal efforts to enter his city and deport illegal immigrants.

“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,” the order states.

“President Trump is committed to safeguarding Federal public benefits for American citizens who are truly in need, including individuals with disabilities and veterans,” states a White House fact sheet obtained by Fox News.

Illegal immigration has cost taxpayers an estimated $451 billion over the past three years, a time when record-breaking numbers of both migrants and illegal immigrants crossed into the U.S. after being drawn in by policies of the Biden-Harris administration. Estimates vary, but some experts believe the number of illegal immigrants living in the U.S. to be as high as 11 million.

Calculations by the Federation for American Immigration Reform suggest that President Trump’s executive order could save taxpayers at least $182 billion annually, which it states is the cost to house, feed, and care for 20 million illegal immigrants and their children. Approximately $66.5 billion of that amount comes from the federal government, with the rest arriving from state and local governments.

The problem of illegal immigrants unlawfully accessing welfare benefits has persisted to some degree despite its outlawing under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Even as illegal aliens, many become “qualified” for welfare programs after spending time in the U.S. or other circumstances being considered, with full eligibility granted after five years.

The fact sheet from the Trump White House lays the blame on former President Joe Biden for “enabling” illegal immigrants through reckless open border policies that stayed in place for most of his four years in office.

“The Biden Administration gave billions in taxpayer dollars to left-wing groups that facilitated mass illegal migration and provided legal services to challenge deportation orders,” the fact sheet continued.

President Trump’s order is the latest extension of his campaign promise to put Americans first and conduct the largest deportation of illegal immigrants in the country’s history.

“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.