Executive Order on Immigrants and the Safety Net

Late into the evening of February 19, 2025, the President signed an executive order (EO) intended to scare immigrant communities and advocates on the use of public benefits by immigrants. Here is the key information you need to know.

Toplines

• This EO does not change eligibility for federally funded public benefits programs, and does not change how any federally funded programs are currently administered.
• People who are undocumented / not lawfully present are eligible for very few federal public benefits.
• The few public benefits they are eligible for are almost always supported by federal law which cannot be changed by an EO.
• Of course it sounds horrible and terrifying, which is the whole point.

What the EO Does

• Identify all federally funded programs they administer that allow people who are undocumented to access any cash or non cash public benefits, and take action – as consistent with applicable law – to:
  • prohibit them from accessing federally funded benefits
  • make sure that they don’t support “sanctuary” policies or promote immigration of undocumented people
  • enhance eligibility verification (note: most federal public benefits programs already verify eligibility electronically with USCIS’s SAVE system or require paper documentation)
• Report to the Office of Management and Budget and Department Of Government Efficiency within 30 days the following:
  • All agency funding sources for people who are undocumented
  • Recommend actions to align with the order
  • Refer improper receipt or use of benefits to DOJ/DHS for “appropriate action”

Keep in mind that the EO:

• Does not just focus on identifying and reporting on federally funded public benefit programs that flow directly to individuals, but also on federal funds that flow to service providers, such as health centers.
• Is “consistent with applicable law” and as mentioned above, the few federal public benefits programs that provide funds for people who are undocumented are generally codified in federal law.

Talking Points for Conversations With Families

• This executive order does not change your or your family’s eligibility for public services like Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, or housing programs. People in immigrant families can still qualify for the same care and help as before.  
• If you or your children qualify for government health or social services, using them won’t affect immigration applications for anyone in the family.
• Some federal programs like emergency Medicaid or disaster assistance are specifically for emergency situations and are meant to be for everyone, including and especially those who may not be eligible for other federal benefits due to their immigration status (like undocumented immigrants). The order did not change those programs.
• This executive order, like many of the statements coming from the White House, is designed to frighten immigrant families from accessing the services they can get by law.  
• If you are concerned, speak with a community organization you trust to learn more and get the facts for your family.
• Stay connected to trusted community partners to learn more as things develop and make sure you are informed.
• If the rules change in the future, we’ll share accurate information right away. You can also visit www.pifcoalition.org/families and www.pifcoalition.org/familias.
• Remember, Trump lies for a living. Get the facts, and focus on helping your family.

Additional Resources

• Five Things to Know About the Executive Order Targeting Immigrants and Federal Assistance Programs, February 20,2025, National Immigration Law Center