Senator Bill Hagerty from Tennessee is taking steps to introduce legislation aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from accessing federal housing benefits. The proposed law seeks to close existing loopholes and restrict sanctuary cities from receiving federal community development grants.
“Illegal immigrants have been allowed to participate in federally subsidized housing programs,” Hagerty shared with Fox News Digital. He stressed the unfairness of illegal immigrants using American taxpayer dollars while American citizens are left behind.
The proposed End Housing Welfare for Illegal Aliens Act aligns with efforts from the Trump administration and GOP members to curb benefits for illegal immigrants and sanctuary cities.
Hagerty stated, “Current estimates indicate 24,000 illegal aliens are benefiting from HUD programs, overshadowing deserving Americans.” The legislation aims to reinforce the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) attempts to prevent illegal immigrants from benefiting from taxpayer-funded housing.
According to HUD, their resources serve only a fraction of the eligible households. A recent audit found about 200,000 tenants with unverified eligibility and estimated 24,000 illegal immigrants benefiting from assistance.
If enacted, Hagerty’s bill would enforce existing rules to prevent misuse under future administrations. “This administration intends to halt fraudulent behavior, but I plan to ensure it doesn’t recur in a potential Democrat administration,” Hagerty emphasized.
The legislation would also target incentives for sanctuary cities by blocking access to Community Development Block Grants. Hagerty criticized the Biden administration for encouraging illegal migration through policy incentives.
Under current law, those lacking citizenship documentation can still influence representation through population counts. Hagerty claims this situation was incentivized strategically by the Biden administration.
The bill requires public housing authorities to mandatorily verify citizenship status for housing assistance. It specifically denies illegal immigrants access to Section 202 and Section 811 programs meant for elderly and disabled low-income individuals.
“Illegal aliens are displacing disabled American taxpayers and elderly residents,” Hagerty asserted. His legislation aligns with wider efforts by the Trump administration and Republican Congress members to address illegal immigration.
Hagerty concluded, “Passing this legislation aligns with public sentiment, as polls suggest strong support.”
Cameron Cawthorne edits politics content for Fox News Digital. Tips can be sent to [email protected] or via Twitter: @cam_cawthorne.
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