US Widens Federal Benefits Ban for Undocumented

The Trump administration has expanded restrictions on federal public benefits, barring undocumented immigrants from accessing a wide range of programs such as Head Start, health, and workforce development services. The Department of Health and Human Services will reinterpret the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, rescinding previous guidance that had allowed some undocumented immigrants to receive certain benefits. The Department of Labor now requires proof of valid work authorization for participation in federally funded workforce programs, overturning earlier Biden-era policies. Administration officials say these changes will protect taxpayer resources for citizens and qualified immigrants, potentially redirecting hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits. Critics argue the measures could also restrict access for some legal immigrants and represent a significant escalation in benefit limitations. The new rules take effect immediately, with a 30-day period for public comment.