Last night, the President signed an executive order (EO) intended to scare immigrant communities and advocates, and we wanted to share toplines, a summary, some high level messaging information about it, and our statement to press, with more analysis to come.

The toplines are:

This EO does not change eligibility for federally funded public benefits programs, and does not change how any federally funded programs are currently administered.
People who are undocumented / not lawfully present are eligible for very few federal public benefits.
The few public benefits they are eligible for are almost always supported by federal law which cannot be changed by an EO.
Of course it sounds horrible and terrifying, which is the whole point.

The executive order requires the Secretary of each federal agency to:

Identify all federally funded programs they administer that allow people who are undocumented to access any cash or non cash public benefits, and take action – as consistent with applicable law – to:
- prohibit them from accessing federally funded benefits
- make sure that they don’t support “sanctuary” policies or promote immigration of undocumented people
- enhance eligibility verification (note: most federal public benefits programs already verify eligibility electronically with USCIS’s SAVE system or require paper documentation)
Report to the Office of Management and Budget and Department Of Government Efficiency within 30 days the following:
- All agency funding sources for people who are undocumented
- Recommend actions to align with the order
- Refer improper receipt or use of benefits to DOJ/DHS for “appropriate action”

Keep in mind that the EO:

Does not just focus on identifying and reporting on federally funded public benefit programs that flow directly to individuals, but also on federal funds that flow to service providers, such as health centers.
Is “consistent with applicable law” and as mentioned above, the few federal public benefits programs that provide funds for people who are undocumented are generally codified in federal law.

Messaging Guidance for Families:

This executive order does not change your or your family’s eligibility for public benefits like Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, or housing programs
This executive order, like many of the statements coming from the White House, is designed to frighten immigrant families from accessing the benefits they are entitled to.
If you are concerned, speak with a trusted community-based organization to learn more and get the facts for your family.
Stay connected to trusted community partners to learn more as things develop and make sure you are informed.

Press statement:

Our statement to the press can be found on our website here. It has also been shared on our Facebook (English | Spanish), Instagram (English | Spanish), and Twitter pages.

In solidarity,

Adriana