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2.0

HHS issues notice excluding undocumented immigrants from additional federal benefits

  1. Original Date Announced

    July 14, 2025

    Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. issued a notice regarding the interpretation of “Federal Public Benefit” as used in Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). Programs that fall within that category are only available to citizens and “qualifying aliens.” The notice adds a number of HHS programs to the category, including Head Start, family planning programs, and programs relating to substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health. In doing so, the notice rescinds an interpretation of PRWORA issued during the Clinton administration that had extended eligibility of certain programs to undocumented immigrants.

    The interpretation is effective immediately. Comments are due 8/13/25.

    Trump 2.0 [ID #1845]

    2025.07.10 HHS - Press Release: HHS Bans Illegal Aliens from Accessing its Taxpayer-Funded Program 2025.07.14 HHS - PRWORA; Interpretation of "Federal Public Benefit"
  2. Effective Date

    July 14, 2025

Current Status

None

Original Trump Policy Status

Trump Administration Action: Agency Directive
Subject Matter: Humanitarian
Agencies Affected: HHS

Associated or Derivative Policies

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