How the Department of Government Efficiency cut wasteful spending on immigration
The Department of Government Efficiency is ushering in a new era following the departure of Elon Musk on Friday, bringing about significant changes in recent months especially in the areas of immigration and border security.
Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, highlighted the impact of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in transforming the Federal government by eliminating waste and bloat that had been overlooked for years. DOGE has played a crucial role in putting an end to the misuse of taxpayer money, including contracts for illegal alien facilities that remained unused during the border crisis and funding for hotel accommodations for illegal gang members. The mission of DOGE to eradicate waste, fraud, and abuse remains a top priority.
In February, the Department of Homeland Security disclosed the termination of an $83 million contract for an empty illegal alien facility and the cancellation of an $80 million FEMA funding for lodging for illegal immigrants in New York City. The move was followed by the approval of a contract to resume wall construction along seven miles of the border in March.
In April, DOGE revealed that illegal immigrants on the FBI’s terror watchlist and those with criminal histories were availing public benefits. The department identified individuals receiving Medicaid, unemployment benefits, student loans, and tax refunds, totaling significant amounts. Furthermore, DOGE disclosed that Border Patrol had been admitting aliens into the U.S. without legal status and minimal screening, leading to the termination of paroles granted to individuals with criminal records or on the terror watchlist.
Apart from immigration and border security, the Coast Guard is set to save $32.7 million by discarding an ineffective information technology system, redirecting the funds towards frontline operations. Secretary Kristi Noem lauded the move as a win for government efficiency.
DHS and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a crackdown on illegal immigrants’ misuse of public housing benefits, and FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program was discontinued in a bid to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.
President Trump’s policy changes have significantly reduced encounters at the border and strengthened the crackdown on illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds in the U.S. interior. DOGE has estimated savings of $175 billion for taxpayers thus far.
These developments come as DOGE continues to make strides in enhancing government efficiency and accountability. The commitment to eliminating wasteful spending and ensuring taxpayer dollars are utilized effectively remains a top priority for the department.
