FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2025
CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Adrian Escárate, 202-609-9976
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458
NILC Statement on Trump’s Executive Order Targeting Immigrant Access to Federal Programs
WASHINGTON — Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s latest executive order targeting immigrant access to federal programs:
“This executive order is yet another cruel and shameless effort by the administration to scapegoat and spread lies about immigrants. It is also evidence of ongoing attempts to distract the public from Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s evisceration of the federal government.
“As the order itself acknowledges, undocumented immigrants are already ineligible for most federal programs. Imposing further vague and unnecessary burdens on federal, state, and local agencies will only serve to exacerbate exclusionary policies that have harmed countless families and communities.”
###
Overview of Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs (Table)
Updated Oct 15, 2026 This table provides an overview of immigrant eligibility for the major federal public assistance programs. Originally published in November 2015.
Major Benefit Programs Available to Immigrants in California (Table)
Updated Oct 15, 2026 This table lists the programs for which certain immigrants residing in California are eligible. Originally published in May 2017.
FAQ: The Federal Government Wants to Deny Refundable Tax Credits to Many Immigrants
Updated Oct 7, 2026 The U.S. Treasury and IRS have proposed a new rule to radically change who can receive vital tax credits, excluding many immigrants who currently work, pay taxes, and meet existing eligibility requirements. This resource answers questions about...