in effect
This is Executive Order 14218, signed February 19, 2025, and published in the Federal Register on February 25, 2025. It is a presidential directive instructing federal agencies to stop federally funded benefits from going to people who are in the country illegally, citing the 1996 welfare-reform law (PRWORA) as existing authority. It does not create a new benefit program or change a statute; it tells agencies how to apply and enforce current law.
Each federal agency head is directed to review the programs it runs, identify any that currently let illegal aliens receive cash or non-cash public benefits, and take steps to bring those programs in line with the order and existing law. Agencies must also try to ensure federal money sent to states and cities does not, by design or effect, support illegal immigration or “sanctuary” policies, and must strengthen eligibility-verification systems to screen out ineligible recipients. Within 30 days of the order, the Office of Management and Budget, the U.S. DOGE Service, and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy must identify any other federal funding reaching illegal aliens and recommend further agency actions. Agencies are told to refer improper receipt or use of federal benefits to the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. The order specifies it must be carried out consistent with existing law and only as far as funding (appropriations) allows, and it creates no new legally enforceable rights.
Federal executive agencies bear the direct obligation to review programs, tighten verification, and report, with OMB, the DOGE Service, and the White House domestic policy office assigned the 30-day review. State and local governments that receive federal funds — particularly those with sanctuary policies — could see how that money can be used scrutinized. People in the country illegally are the intended target of the reduced access to federally funded benefits, while the order states an aim of protecting benefits for U.S. citizens in need, including people with disabilities and veterans.