Under Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the USDA has issued guidance to state agencies to strengthen SNAP eligibility verification and ensure illegal immigrants do not receive federal benefits.
The move seeks to align the department with President Trump's executive order seeking to end taxpayer subsidization of the open borders crisis.
“President Trump has made it clear that American taxpayers will no longer subsidize illegal aliens,” Secretary Rollins said in a statement Thursday. “We are stewards of taxpayer dollars, and it is our duty to ensure states confirm the identity and verify the immigration status of SNAP applicants."
"USDA’s nutrition programs are intended to support the most vulnerable Americans. To allow those who broke our laws by entering the United States illegally to receive these benefits is outrageous.”
It is another common-sense move the new administration is taking to discourage illegals from attempting to game the system.
At my direction, the @USDA has taken action to ensure illegal aliens DO NOT receive federal benefits paid for by hardworking American taxpayers. pic.twitter.com/JiKnGamGYD
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) April 25, 2025
Trump Coordinates With Interior, Agriculture, DHS to Ramp Up Military Presence Along Southern Border
President Trump's executive order, issued on February 19th, "directs Federal departments and agencies to identify all federally funded programs currently providing financial benefits to illegal aliens and take corrective action."
"President Trump is committed to safeguarding Federal public benefits for American citizens who are truly in need, including individuals with disabilities and veterans," a White House fact sheet reads.
Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack conceded in congressional testimony during the Biden administration that some people classified as illegal may receive benefits, but he insisted it was a small percentage.
How many illegal immigrants are receiving taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits? Today in our @HouseAgGOP hearing, Secretary Vilsack couldn't give me a number. pic.twitter.com/PDvJRnxvqR
— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) March 28, 2023
Following a review initiated in February, Rollins contends the amounts are unacceptably high.
"A staggering $10.5 billion in improper SNAP payments were made in FY 2023 alone—about 12% of total SNAP payments that year," a press release from the USDA claims.
The department points to issues at the state level in inadequately verifying an individual's identity and citizenship during the application process.
Providing benefits meant for the American people to those who ignore the laws of this sovereign nation was a staple of the previous administration. According to a nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis, Illegal immigrants received over $16.2 billion in Medicaid-funded emergency services under Biden.
Additionally, the former President allocated $350 million from an $800 million fund to NGOs for services like food, housing, and transportation for illegals released from DHS custody.
President Trump is attempting to put an end to such unacceptable abuse of the American taxpayer.
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