Federal Lawmakers Want to End Federal Welfare Benefits for Non-Citizens

Written by David E. Smith

As Congress continues to debate immigration and federal spending, legislation has been introduced in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to prohibit taxpayer-funded welfare benefits for non-citizens.

Earlier this year, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the End Welfare for Non-Citizens Act (S. 3670), which would prohibit the use of federal funds to provide welfare benefits to refugees, asylees, and illegal immigrants.

A companion measure, H.R. 6854, was introduced by U.S. Representative Randy Fine (R-FL) on December 20, 2025.

According to Congressman Fine, the federal government is projected to spend $177 billion on welfare benefits for non-citizens between 2024 and 2034. With the national debt now exceeding $38 trillion, supporters of the legislation argue that taxpayer-funded assistance should be reserved for American citizens.

“Americans are being robbed,” Congressman Fine said. “Somalians, illegals, and even legal immigrants are getting free handouts at the expense of American taxpayers. That is insane, it is immoral, and it must stop.”

Fine added:

“Hardworking Americans should not be paying for non-citizens’ healthcare, free housing, food stamps, Medicaid, or anything else for that matter. Citizens come first. Period. My legislation will ensure that non-citizens don’t receive any government benefits from the taxpayer. If you want free stuff, then you need to go home.”

The legislation would prohibit federal funding for programs including:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

• Medicaid

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Other federal welfare benefits, subsidies, and services provided to eligible non-citizens

Senator Paul likewise emphasized the nation’s growing fiscal crisis in announcing his legislation:

“With a national debt exceeding $38 trillion, Washington should not be running a welfare system on autopilot. The End Welfare for Non-Citizens Act puts America First by stopping taxpayer dollars from being siphoned into benefits for non-citizens. If we want a sustainable safety net and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, this bill is a must-pass.”

Supporters contend that federal welfare programs should prioritize American citizens and legal residents who qualify under existing law, while opponents are expected to argue that certain humanitarian protections for refugees and asylees should remain in place.

Watch Senator Paul’s comments on the floor of the U.S. Senate a few months ago: