SLC Times

Senator Mike Lee of Utah has introduced the America First Act, aiming to restrict federal benefits for illegal immigrants in the United States. This legislation seeks to address what Senator Lee describes as "President Biden’s unprecedented abuse of parole for foreign citizens illegally entering our country," which he claims has burdened American taxpayers and exacerbated the border crisis. The bill is co-sponsored in the House by Representative Chip Roy and House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, both from Texas.

"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,” stated Senator Lee. He argues that many illegal immigrants have accessed welfare programs intended for American families, calling it a "criminal redistribution scheme" enforced by current and past administrations.

Representative Roy echoed these sentiments, stating, “Millions of illegal aliens are exploiting U.S. welfare and aid programs that are meant to help struggling Americans.” He emphasized the need for the America First Act to stop illegal immigrants from benefiting from taxpayer dollars.

Chairman Arrington highlighted financial concerns, noting that “we’re paying $9,000 per illegal immigrant - more than we spend on Medicaid for our most vulnerable Americans or military retirement benefits for our soldiers.” He expressed support for the bill's potential savings of over $177 billion.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that border security failures could add $0.3 trillion to federal outlays over a decade. The Foundation for American Immigration Reform estimates annual costs at $150.7 billion due to assistance provided to non-citizens.

The proposed legislation includes several sections aimed at reducing eligibility for various federal benefits among illegal immigrants and others not lawfully residing in the U.S., including healthcare, housing assistance, tax credits, and educational grants.

Several organizations have voiced their support for the bill. Ryan Walker of Heritage Action stated it would restore fiscal stability by closing loopholes allowing welfare access to those unlawfully present in the country. Grant Newman of the Immigration Accountability Project praised its potential impact on preserving benefits for citizens while addressing immigration enforcement issues.

Paul Winfree from EPIC criticized current policies under President Biden as encouraging illegal immigration and praised Senator Lee's efforts through this legislation. Julie Kirchner of FAIR emphasized its importance in curbing costs associated with illegal immigration.

Other endorsements came from Greg Sindelar of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Kris Ullman of Eagle Forum, Jenny Beth Martin of Tea Party Patriots Action, and Tom McClusky of CatholicVote—all highlighting various aspects they believe will benefit American citizens by restricting access to public resources currently available to non-citizens.