Mike Lee looks to halt welfare for illegals going on under Biden with key budget process

Republicans are making a bold move to prevent welfare benefits from reaching illegal immigrants who are paroled into the United States. They are pushing for the passage of the “America First Act” through the budget reconciliation process, bypassing the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster.

Senator Mike Lee of Utah is spearheading this effort by introducing the legislation, which aims to amend the requirements outlined in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. The proposed changes would explicitly exclude individuals in the country illegally, including those granted asylum, paroled individuals, and those facing deportation.

Under the America First Act, these non-citizens would be ineligible for a range of welfare benefits, including programs like SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, and certain housing benefits. The bill is set to be introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Chip Roy and Jodey Arrington from Texas.

The Senate’s legislative filibuster has been a major obstacle for many bills in the past, requiring a supermajority of 60 votes to advance legislation. However, by utilizing the budget reconciliation process, which only requires a simple majority, Republicans hope to push the America First Act through Congress.

The legislation is seen as a crucial component of President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda, particularly in the realm of border security. By including the America First Act in the budget reconciliation package, it can serve as a “pay-for” for other priorities.

According to the Congressional Budget Office’s report on the effects of the immigration surge on the federal budget and economy, the surge is projected to add significant costs over the next decade. The America First Act aims to address these fiscal challenges by restricting welfare benefits to illegal immigrants.

In addition to welfare benefits, the Republican bill would also disqualify these non-citizens from educational, healthcare, housing benefits, disaster aid, and tax credits. While the White House did not provide a comment on the legislation, Republicans are forging ahead with their efforts to pass the America First Act.

Julia Johnson, a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, is at the forefront of covering this legislative initiative. Her expertise in Senate coverage and political reporting brings a unique perspective to the discussion on immigration and welfare reform. Follow Julia’s reporting on Twitter at @JuliaaJohnson_ and stay tuned for updates on this developing story.