Trump administration orders states to report migrants without legal status

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Washington: The US Justice Department has cautioned states that failing to notify immigrants without legal status to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) might result in the loss of billions of dollars in federal welfare assistance.

According to the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel, the reporting requirement now applies to all state agencies, not only those in charge of welfare programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Universities and motor vehicle departments may consequently be subject to the larger requirement if they are aware of people who are illegally present in the country.

The ruling overturns a 1998 interpretation that limited which state entities were compelled to divulge such information. The DOJ stated that states participating in TANF or SSI must comply with the broader interpretation, and that failing to do so may result in the loss of program funding.

Federal TANF grants surpass $16.5 billion per year, while federal SSI payouts exceed $60 billion. According to sources, undocumented immigrants are ineligible for either scheme. The new ruling applies prospectively rather than assessing fines for previous noncompliance.

The action is part of President Donald Trump's larger immigration crackdown and is likely to meet opposition from states that have previously rejected federal demands for access to immigration-related data.