Senator Proposes Legislation to Restrict Federal Housing Benefits for Illegal Immigrants

Senator Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee, is introducing legislation aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from accessing federal housing benefits. This initiative seeks to address loopholes and cut off sanctuary cities from federal community development grants.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Hagerty criticized the current situation where illegal immigrants receive federally subsidized housing, claiming it prioritizes them over American citizens. He emphasized the need to halt this practice.

The proposed End Housing Welfare for Illegal Aliens Act aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration and GOP members to curtail benefits for illegal immigrants and sanctuary cities, which they argue disadvantage American citizens.

Hagerty mentioned that, according to estimates, around 24,000 illegal individuals currently utilize HUD programs, taking positions that could support deserving Americans. His bill seeks to formalize the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) attempts to prevent illegal immigrants from benefiting from taxpayer-funded housing when living with eligible individuals.

A HUD statement indicated that their housing assistance should help U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens. A recent audit revealed approximately 200,000 tenants with unclear eligibility status. Additionally, HUD estimates that about 24,000 illegal aliens benefit from assistance meant for mixed-status households.

If enacted, Hagerty’s bill would enforce a proposed rule by HUD Secretary Scott Turner, aiming to maintain it across different administrations. Hagerty expressed his intention to prevent future administrations from reversing these measures.

The bill also seeks to remove incentives for sanctuary cities, denying them access to Community Development Block Grants, which fund affordable housing and local services. Hagerty criticized the Biden administration’s policies, arguing they encourage sanctuary city practices by including undocumented residents in population counts for congressional representation and electoral votes.

Furthermore, the legislation would mandate public housing authorities to verify citizenship before granting assistance, changing the legal requirement to ensure citizenship verification. It also specifically prohibits illegal immigrants from qualifying for Section 202 and Section 811 housing, aimed at low-income elderly individuals and people with disabilities.

Hagerty highlighted the impact of illegal immigrants on housing opportunities for disabled American taxpayers and elderly citizens. He asserted his determination to advance this legislation as part of a broader effort to address illegal immigration.

Hagerty believes that this proposal enjoys significant public support, reflecting a widespread concern about illegal immigration and federal program eligibility.