0
America First Act
2/26/2025, 11:23 AM
Summary of Bill HR 746
Under this bill, immigrants would be required to meet specific criteria in order to qualify for federal benefits. This includes demonstrating a certain level of financial stability and proving that they are not a burden on the government. Additionally, the bill would limit the types of benefits that immigrants can receive, focusing on essential services such as healthcare and education.
Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure that federal benefits are reserved for those who truly need them, and that immigrants should not be able to access these benefits without meeting certain requirements. They believe that this will help to reduce government spending and prevent abuse of the system. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it unfairly targets immigrants and could lead to increased poverty and hardship for vulnerable populations. They believe that all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, should have access to essential services and support from the government. Overall, Bill 119 HR 746 is a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to limit eligibility for federal benefits for certain immigrants. It is likely to spark debate and discussion among lawmakers and the public as it moves through the legislative process.
Congressional Summary of HR 746
America First Act
This bill limits the eligibility of certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) for various federal benefits and grants, makes permanent the child tax credit increase, and requires individuals to provide evidence of satisfactory immigration status prior to receiving specified benefits.
The bill prohibits asylees, parolees, and individuals withheld from removal from receiving certain federal benefits, including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), and Supplemental Security Income. The bill further restricts on the basis of immigration status benefits under federal health programs such as Medicare, emergency disaster relief, housing assistance, food assistance, early childhood assistance, student aid, and Community Development Block Grants.
The bill also makes permanent the increase in the child tax credit set to expire at the end of 2025. In addition, this tax credit and the earned income tax credit are not available to asylees, parolees, individuals granted temporary protected status, individuals withheld from removal, individuals granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status, and non-U.S. nationals with employment-based immigrant visas.
Federal aid is reduced for elementary and secondary education by 50% annually to jurisdictions that do not assist federal immigration enforcement actions (deemed sanctuary jurisdictions under the bill).
The bill also removes statutory exemptions for Haitian entrants that allows such entrants to receive various aid.
Certain benefits are prohibited, including Medicaid and SNAP, until an applicant’s satisfactory immigration status is proved.
The bill prohibits tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organizations from using federal funds to support certain non-U.S. nationals.
