Trump Bars Undocumented Kids From Head Start, Services

The Trump administration announced a policy change barring undocumented immigrants from federally funded programs, including Head Start and other services such as substance abuse treatment and community health centers. This move overturns a Clinton-era policy, reclassifying these programs to exclude those without legal status. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the change aims to protect taxpayers and estimated U.S. citizens could receive up to $374 million more in Head Start services each year. Critics argue the policy will cause confusion, fear, and harm to vulnerable children, while raising concerns about the effects on parental workforce participation. The policy is part of a broader effort to restrict social services access for undocumented immigrants. The full impact remains uncertain, particularly for children in mixed-status families.