Senator Introduces Legislation to Restrict Housing Benefits for Illegal Aliens
Exclusive: Senator Bill Hagerty, representing Tennessee, has put forward a legislative proposal aimed at preventing illegal aliens from accessing federal housing benefits. This move seeks to close loopholes and stop sanctuary cities from receiving federal community development grants.
“Illegal immigrants have been allowed to participate in federally subsidized housing programs,” Hagerty shared with Fox News Digital. “They’re using American taxpayer dollars to jump to the front of the line while putting Americans at the back. It’s got to stop.”
The proposed legislation, known as the End Housing Welfare for Illegal Aliens Act, aligns with efforts from both the Trump administration and GOP Congress members to curb opportunities for illegal immigrants and sanctuary cities, which they argue undermines benefits designed for American citizens.
President Donald Trump previously focused on similar policies. Preliminary estimates suggest that around 24,000 illegal aliens are currently benefiting from housing programs offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), displacing citizens who qualify for support.
The bill aims to formalize HUD’s actions to prevent illegal immigrants from gaining access to federally funded housing by living with eligible individuals. A recent audit by HUD and the Department of Homeland Security identified approximately 200,000 tenants with incomplete or unverified eligibility, and around 24,000 illegal aliens residing in mixed-status households benefiting from HUD assistance.
Senator Hagerty intends for his bill to uphold the rule proposed by HUD Secretary Scott Turner, ensuring its enforcement across all future administrations.
“This current administration is going to do everything possible to stop fraudulent behavior,” Hagerty stated. “But I want to make sure this doesn’t happen under a potential Democrat administration.”
Furthermore, Hagerty’s legislation addresses incentives provided to sanctuary cities under the Biden administration. By cutting off access to Community Development Block Grants, which support housing, infrastructure, and local services, the bill seeks to not reward sanctuary city policies.
Hagerty argued that illegal immigrants were counted in population figures for congressional representation and electoral votes, facilitating the strategic placement of sanctuary cities in states with declining population and voter numbers.
Hagerty clarified, “The Biden administration was creating incentives for people to come here illegally… Why? Because you can count these illegal aliens for congressional districts and electoral votes. That is the motive.”
The bill mandates public housing authorities to verify citizenship before granting housing assistance. It would stop illegal immigrants from receiving Section 202 and Section 811 housing, which aid low-income elderly and disabled individuals.
“Illegal aliens are pushing out people who are disabled, American taxpayers who are disabled, elderly who are disabled,” Hagerty emphasized.
The senator’s efforts come amid broader Republican initiatives to combat illegal immigration nationwide. Hagerty firmly believes the legislation will find widespread support among Americans.