The Trump administration has initiated an investigation into Los Angeles County concerning a welfare program that provides immigrants with up to $18,000 annually. This action is primarily aimed at what they refer to as “providing federal benefits to illegal foreigners.”
The focus of the inquiry is the Cash Support Program for Immigrants (CAPI), which was announced recently by California. This program was designed to assist seniors or individuals with disabilities who cannot collect Social Security due to their immigration status.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking records of all individuals enrolled in the LA County CAPI program.
While the exact number of participants in LA’s program remains unclear, around 16,500 individuals are registered statewide. California asserts that the program, which started in 1998, is fully funded by state resources and is largely not accessible to undocumented individuals.
CAPI aims to support legally residing elderly, blind, or disabled immigrants. Beneficiaries typically receive about $1,100 per month or up to $1,900 for couples, with nursing home costs potentially reaching nearly $1,500 monthly.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized “radical left-wing politicians in California for prioritizing illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens” in relation to this program.
“If you’re an illegal immigrant, you need to leave now. The gravy train is finished,” she stated.
The DHS, as part of its investigation, has requested that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Services provide all pertinent records to ascertain whether anyone unlawfully received federally funded benefits since President Biden took office in January 2021.
This data collection includes applicants’ names, birth dates, application copies, immigration statuses, proof of ineligibility for federal Social Security benefits, and supporting affidavits, as outlined by the DHS.
According to the DHS, over 2 million undocumented immigrants received Social Security numbers in 2024.
Last month, President Trump signed an executive order instructing his cabinet members to “prioritize the pursuit of legal or punitive action against states or regions for potential violations that allow ineligible illegal immigrants to access Social Security funds.”
