California and Other States Sue Trump Administration Over Immigration Rule

A coalition led by California, along with other progressive states, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding a new immigration rule. This regulation specifically targets undocumented workers and their children, limiting their access to over twelve federally funded public benefit programs.

President Trump and his administration have defended the rule, citing the need to safeguard services for American citizens, particularly veterans, and to lessen the incentives for illegal immigration.

One of the programs impacted is Head Start, which offers childcare, nutrition, and health services to about 800,000 low-income infants and preschoolers. Additional affected services include short-term shelters for the homeless, support for survivors of domestic violence, emergency shelters for extreme weather, soup kitchens, community food banks, and various healthcare services targeting mental health or substance abuse.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta pointed out that since at least 1997, such programs have been expanded to include undocumented immigrant families. He described the Trump administration’s sudden changes as a “cruel and costly attack” on vulnerable populations.

Bonta noted, “This latest move is part of the president’s inhumane immigration strategy, heavily impacting mothers and their young children. We aren’t talking about fraud or waste but about essential services that provide childcare, medical care, and educational support.”

The lawsuit, backed by the District of Columbia and 19 other states, argues that these new restrictions could cost hundreds of millions of dollars each year. The changes are presented as arbitrary, lacking proper notice to states affected.

“Requiring programs to divert resources to check citizenship status adds unnecessary strain on already financially limited services,” Bonta’s office stated.

He emphasized that California’s large immigrant population would face immediate and devastating impacts from these new rules.

The White House has not responded to requests for comments about the lawsuit.

California’s arguments clash with assertions from Trump and his allies, who claim that providing benefits to undocumented immigrants encourages illegal immigration, depletes taxpayer funds, and hampers services for American citizens.

Trump’s administration had earlier issued an executive order to curb what they labeled “Open Border Taxpayer Subsidies.” He asserted that his administration would uphold the law, protect taxpayer resources, and secure services for citizens in need, including veterans and the disabled.

The executive order tasked federal agencies with reviewing benefits programs to stop taxpayer dollars from acting as a draw for illegal immigrants.

Trump also criticized previous administrations for not enforcing restrictions on non-citizens in federally funded programs and claimed they undermined the law’s principles.

Historically, exemptions had been granted, allowing immigrants access to certain essential programs, but those are now subject to the new limitations.

Following Trump’s directives, various federal agencies, including those focused on health, welfare, labor, education, and agriculture, announced earlier this month a reinterpretation of the 1996 law governing these benefits.

“For too long, taxpayer contributions have inadvertently supported illegal immigration,” said Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon noted that under Trump’s direction, taxpayers would no longer fund programs that allow illegal immigrants to participate.

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez DeLaMere added, “By ensuring these programs meet their intended goals, we reinforce our commitment to protect jobs for American workers and stem illegal immigration.”

The Agriculture Department plans to impose new limits on benefits for undocumented immigrants, including restrictions on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, the state lawsuit claims that numerous USDA programs are legally required to provide benefits regardless of immigration status.