The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Trump Administration has announced a significant rule change aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from accessing taxpayer-funded housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers and developments. The new regulation, issued on Thursday, February 19, mandates that individuals seeking housing assistance must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or an eligible immigration status. This move is designed to ensure that only qualified individuals are able to receive these benefits, effectively excluding those without legal status in the country.
In the announcement, HUD referenced Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980, which limits financial assistance to U.S. citizens and specific categories of noncitizens. The new rule revises the implementing regulations to require verification of citizenship or immigration status for all applicants and recipients, regardless of their age. Additionally, the rule will introduce prorated assistance for families pending verification, a significant departure from the previous system where prorated assistance could continue indefinitely while awaiting status confirmation.
HUD Secretary Scott Turner emphasized that this change aims to close a loophole that allowed illegal aliens to receive public housing benefits. Turner remarked that approximately 2% of illegal immigrant households were estimated to be receiving public assistance and stated that this will no longer be tolerated. He noted that the rule aligns with the Trump Administration’s broader efforts to reform the welfare system and ensure that taxpayer dollars are directed toward supporting U.S. citizens and legal immigrants.
Turner further explained that the new policy reflects a commitment to prioritizing American citizens over noncitizens. He criticized past policies for allowing illegal immigrants to exploit welfare systems and assured that under President Trump’s leadership, this practice would end.
The announcement marks a firm step in the administration’s efforts to tighten immigration policies and reduce reliance on public assistance for individuals without legal status.