EO 14218: Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders

ANALYSIS: This order aims to ensure that federal public benefits are reserved for American citizens and legal residents by enforcing existing laws that restrict access to taxpayer-funded programs for undocumented immigrants.

Key Provisions of Executive Order 14218:

1. Identification and Alignment of Federal Programs: Federal agencies are directed to identify programs that currently allow undocumented immigrants to receive benefits and take appropriate actions to align these programs with federal law, particularly the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). ​

2. Restriction of Federal Payments: The order mandates that federal payments to states and localities should not facilitate the subsidization or promotion of illegal immigration or support "sanctuary" policies that shield undocumented immigrants from deportation.

3. Enhancement of Eligibility Verification: Agencies are instructed to enhance eligibility verification systems to ensure that taxpayer-funded benefits are not extended to ineligible individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States. ​

Executive Order 14218 aligns with Project 2025's objectives by reinforcing strict immigration policies and ensuring that federal benefits are limited to citizens and legal residents, thereby reducing incentives for illegal immigration.

Direct negative impact:

1. Increased Marginalization of Immigrant Communities: By restricting access to essential services, the order may lead to heightened marginalization of immigrant communities, exacerbating poverty and limiting access to healthcare and education. ​

2. Strain on Local Resources: Local governments and nonprofit organizations may face increased pressure to support undocumented immigrants who are excluded from federal programs, potentially leading to resource constraints at the local level.​

3. Public Health Concerns: Limiting access to healthcare services for undocumented immigrants could result in public health challenges, as individuals may forgo necessary medical care, leading to the spread of communicable diseases and increased emergency room visits.​

4. Legal and Ethical Challenges: The implementation of stringent verification systems may lead to concerns about privacy, potential discrimination, and the ethical implications of denying essential services to vulnerable populations.

CONCLUSION: Executive Order 14218 seeks to enforce existing laws regarding the distribution of federal benefits; it raises concerns about the potential negative impacts on immigrant communities, public health, and local resources.

Referenced in Chapter 5: Department of Homeland Security (Ken Cuccinelli), which advises pulling federal funds from jurisdictions undermining immigration law enforcement​. The EO’s aim to stop federal funding that facilitates illegal immigration (e.g. to sanctuary cities or NGOs aiding unlawful entry) aligns with these proposals in the Mandate.

---

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1 . Purpose. The plain text of Federal law, including the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-193) (PRWORA), generally prohibits illegal aliens from obtaining most taxpayer-funded benefits. Title IV of the PRWORA states that it is national policy that “aliens within the Nation's borders not depend on public resources to meet their needs,” and that “[i]t is a compelling government interest to remove the incentive for illegal immigration provided by the availability of public benefits.” But in the decades since the passage of the PRWORA, numerous administrations have acted to undermine the principles and limitations directed by the Congress through that law. Over the last 4 years, in particular, the prior administration repeatedly undercut the goals of that law, resulting in the improper expenditure of significant taxpayer resources. My Administration will uphold the rule of law, defend against the waste of hard-earned taxpayer resources, and protect benefits for American citizens in need, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Sec. 2 . Preserving Federal Public Benefits. (a) To prevent taxpayer resources from acting as a magnet and fueling illegal immigration to the United States, and to ensure, to the maximum extent permitted by law, that no taxpayer-funded benefits go to unqualified aliens, the head of each executive department or agency (agency) shall:

(i) identify all federally funded programs administered by the agency that currently permit illegal aliens to obtain any cash or non-cash public benefit, and, consistent with applicable law, take all appropriate actions to align such programs with the purposes of this order and the requirements of applicable Federal law, including the PRWORA;

(ii) ensure, consistent with applicable law, that Federal payments to States and localities do not, by design or effect, facilitate the subsidization or promotion of illegal immigration, or abet so-called “sanctuary” policies that seek to shield illegal aliens from deportation; and

(iii) enhance eligibility verification systems, to the maximum extent possible, to ensure that taxpayer-funded benefits exclude any ineligible alien who entered the United States illegally or is otherwise unlawfully present in the United States.

(b) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Administrator of the United States DOGE Service, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, shall further:

(i) identify all other sources of Federal funding for illegal aliens; and

(ii) recommend additional agency actions to align Federal spending with the purposes of this order, and, where relevant, enhance eligibility verification systems.

(c) Agencies shall refer any improper receipt or use of Federal benefits to the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security for appropriate action.

Sec. 3 . General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.