HUD chief puts illegal aliens living in govt-funded housing on notice: Americans are ‘our only priority’
The Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner has issued a warning to illegal immigrants living in government-funded housing, stating that HUD is now prioritizing only American citizens under the Trump administration. During an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital in Philadelphia, Turner made it clear that those who are in the country illegally and living in HUD-funded public housing will no longer be tolerated.
“We are putting them on notice that this is not acceptable,” Turner emphasized. “We will not have it anymore. At HUD, our priority is to ensure that American citizens benefit from the hard-working American taxpayer dollars that fund our programs.”
Turner has been actively addressing immigration issues, recently partnering with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to launch a new initiative aimed at preventing federal housing funds from going to illegal immigrants. This memorandum solidifies their commitment to ending the “wasteful misappropriation” of taxpayer-funded public housing resources that have previously benefited illegal immigrants who entered the country during the Biden administration.
In a move to further prioritize American citizens, Turner announced the termination of taxpayer-backed Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgages for illegal immigrants. He stressed that HUD-backed mortgages should be reserved for Americans who follow the rules and contribute to society.
The HUD secretary criticized the Biden administration for implementing harmful immigration policies that exacerbated homelessness and favored illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens in need of housing assistance. Turner emphasized that the government is not the sole solution to issues related to the housing crisis, homelessness, drug addiction, and crime. Instead, he emphasized the importance of partnerships with the private sector, faith-based organizations, and non-profits.
Turner highlighted the significant impact of homelessness in the U.S., with over 770,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024. Despite record funding from HUD, the homelessness crisis persists, underscoring the need for collaboration with various stakeholders to address the root causes of homelessness.
During his visit to Philadelphia, Turner toured Opportunity Zones, economically distressed areas that incentivize investment and economic development through federal tax benefits. As a key figure in revitalizing economically distressed areas during the first Trump administration, Turner’s expertise in promoting affordable housing and economic growth is instrumental in addressing the housing crisis in the U.S.
By prioritizing American citizens in housing assistance programs and fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders, Turner is determined to tackle the challenges posed by illegal immigration, homelessness, and housing affordability. Through strategic initiatives and collaborations, HUD aims to ensure that taxpayer-funded resources are utilized effectively to benefit the American people.
