HHS Rescinds 1998 Rule on Immigrant Access to Taxpayer-Funded Services
The Department of Health and Human Services has rescinded a 1998 rule, impacting illegal immigrants' access to taxpayer-funded services and health programs.
Overview
- The Department of Health and Human Services has rescinded a 1998 interpretation of laws regarding illegal immigrants and taxpayer-funded services.
- This change aligns with the Trump administration's policies that restrict illegal immigrants' access to federal public benefits.
- The rescinding of the rule aims to save approximately $40 billion in taxpayer-funded benefits.
- Redirecting funds will allow $374 million annually to be allocated to American citizens for Head Start services.
- The decision reflects ongoing debates about immigration policy and the use of taxpayer resources.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the statements as a legal and fiscal response to immigration, emphasizing compliance with existing laws and potential cost savings. The authors exhibit a critical perspective on policy changes, suggesting a bias against the implications for undocumented immigrants while highlighting government rationale and interpretations of benefits.
"The Trump administration will restrict immigrants in the country illegally from enrolling in Head Start, a federally funded preschool program, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday."
Chicago Sun-Times"The change stunned health care workers across the country as they scrambled to understand the implications of the decision."
USA TODAY"Today’s action changes that — it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people."
Roll CallArticles (6)
FAQ
Illegal immigrants are now banned from accessing federal health benefits, including the Head Start early childhood education and nutrition program, mental health programs, and other taxpayer-funded services previously available under a 1998 interpretation of federal law.
The policy is based on the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), which restricts eligibility for federal public benefits to noncitizens, including illegal immigrants, except for certain emergency and limited programs.
HHS estimates that about $40 billion in taxpayer-funded benefits will be saved overall, with an additional $374 million annually redirected to American citizens specifically for Head Start services.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that the action restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, protects vital resources for American people, and stops the diversion of taxpayers' money to incentivize illegal immigration.
Yes, the expanded interpretation broadens restrictions to include legal permanent residents, individuals granted asylum, and other legally present immigrants, affecting their access to certain federal benefits.
History
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