HHS to Restrict Benefits for Illegal Immigrants

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Thursday that the department aims to prevent illegal immigrants from accessing its benefits.

“For too long, the government has funneled taxes from hardworking Americans to support illegal immigration. This change will restore integrity to federal programs, uphold the rule of law, and protect vital resources for American citizens,” Kennedy stated in a release.

Since 1998, under the Clinton administration, HHS has been able to reinterpret the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which had allowed undocumented immigrants to take advantage of certain benefits.

The benefits that will no longer be accessible include:

Community behavioral clinics acknowledging illegal immigration, Community Mental Health Services Block Grant, Community Service Block Grant (CSBG), Head Start, Health Center Program, and various health workforce programs, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Additionally, the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program will be affected, as will Drug Use Prevention and Recovery Services Block Grants, among others.

According to an HHS press release, the new directive clarifies PRWORA’s definition of “federal public interest.” It reverses previous exclusions, confirms that programs serving individuals or families will be subject to eligibility criteria, and ensures that HHS services will not be exempt from these restrictions. Head Start is highlighted as one of the programs affected, with HHS anticipatig it will lead to an additional $374 million annually for American citizens participating in the program.

“Working with HHS, the Children and Families Administration is dedicated to safeguarding resources for the most vulnerable,” HHS Deputy Director Andrew Gradison commented. “The updated classification for Head Start based on the new PRWORA interpretation will guarantee that taxpayer-funded benefits are prioritized for eligible individuals, putting American families first.”