The United States has expanded restrictions on public benefits for undocumented immigrants, blocking access to a wider range of federal assistance programs under a policy shift announced by the Department of Health and Human Services.
The move, unveiled on Thursday, adds 13 new programs to the list of federal benefits unavailable to undocumented immigrants, bringing the total to 44. Programs affected by the restrictions include Head Start, mental health and substance abuse services, family planning support, and homelessness assistance.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the policy aims to ensure that federal benefits are reserved for American citizens and those legally present in the country, describing the changes as part of an effort to uphold the rule of law while managing public resources responsibly.
The expansion of restrictions comes as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies its immigration enforcement strategy, aligning with recent actions aimed at limiting undocumented immigrants’ access to federal services while prioritizing deportation measures.
Critics of the policy argue that the expanded restrictions will place additional strain on vulnerable communities and could undermine public health and safety by limiting access to essential services. Supporters of the move contend that it will reduce the burden on federal programs and discourage illegal immigration.
The new policy is set to take effect after a 30-day public comment period and publication in the Federal Register, formalizing the administration’s approach to restricting undocumented immigrants’ access to federal support programs as part of broader immigration control efforts.
With input from Al Jazeera
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