No Welfare for Non-Citizens Act
Summary
The "No Welfare for Non-Citizens Act" (H.R. 6854) aims to prohibit all aliens, as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act, from receiving any federal public benefits. It repeals sections of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 that previously defined qualified aliens and outlined their eligibility for certain federal programs. The bill seeks to amend Section 401 to make all aliens ineligible for federal public benefits, remove exceptions, and include 'cash assistance' in the definition of prohibited benefits.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would eliminate access to federal public benefits for non-citizens, regardless of their status as 'qualified aliens' under previous law. This change would likely impact various social safety net programs, potentially affecting non-citizens' access to assistance related to housing, food, and healthcare. The bill also repeals definitions related to qualified aliens, streamlining eligibility requirements.
Potential Benefits
- Potential cost savings for the federal government by reducing expenditures on public benefits.
- May incentivize non-citizens to seek self-sufficiency or private support.
- Could reduce strain on existing social safety net programs.
- May align public benefit access more closely with citizenship status.
- Could be seen as reinforcing the principle that taxpayer-funded benefits should primarily support citizens.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could increase poverty and hardship among non-citizen populations.
- May lead to increased demand on state and local resources to address the needs of non-citizens.
- Potential negative impacts on public health if non-citizens lack access to healthcare.
- Could create social divisions and resentment.
- May harm the economy if non-citizens are unable to meet basic needs and contribute to the workforce.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality could be challenged under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. While this clause primarily applies to states, the Supreme Court has interpreted the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause to impose similar constraints on the federal government. The question would be whether denying federal benefits to non-citizens is rationally related to a legitimate government interest. The preamble of the constitution states that one goal is to "promote the general Welfare". This bill could be seen as conflicting with that goal.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).