Labor secretary warns states of illegal immigrants collecting unemployment benefits
States that allow illegal immigrants to collect unemployment benefits may face consequences in the form of losing federal funding, according to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. In a recent letter addressed to all governors, Chavez-DeRemer emphasized the importance of adhering to President Donald Trump’s directives to prevent tax dollars from benefiting individuals who are in the U.S. unlawfully.
“Our nation’s unemployment benefits are intended for eligible workers,” Chavez-DeRemer stated. “To qualify for unemployment assistance, individuals must be capable and available to work, actively seeking employment, and legally authorized to work in the United States. Unemployment benefits are not intended for those who are in the country illegally.”
Chavez-DeRemer urged states to utilize the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database, an online resource for registered federal, state, and local government agencies, to verify the immigration status of applicants seeking benefits or licenses. This move aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Trump administration to crack down on illegal immigrants receiving taxpayer-funded benefits.
In a similar vein, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) is taking steps to ensure that illegal immigrants no longer receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. Rollins emphasized that USDA’s nutrition programs are designed to support the most vulnerable Americans, and allowing individuals who entered the U.S. illegally to access these benefits is unacceptable.
Additionally, Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner has made it clear that HUD is prioritizing American citizens under the current administration. Turner highlighted the importance of ensuring that only American citizens benefit from government-funded housing programs, stating that HUD will focus solely on serving American taxpayers.
These actions reflect the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and safeguarding taxpayer resources from being misused. By implementing stringent measures to verify the eligibility of individuals seeking government benefits, federal agencies aim to uphold the integrity of these programs and prioritize the needs of lawful residents and citizens.
