The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a sweeping review of all government assistance programs to ensure that taxpayer-funded benefits are provided exclusively to legal citizens, following directives from President Donald Trump. This move, designed to curb fraud and misuse of federal programs, represents the latest effort by the administration to enforce stricter eligibility verification and uphold the integrity of social safety nets.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed the initiative in a Dec. 1 post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the administration’s commitment to ensuring that federal benefits reach Americans who are lawfully entitled to them. “At @POTUS’ direction, we will be reviewing ALL @USDA PROGRAMS to ensure only legal citizens are receiving benefits,” Rollins wrote. The review follows earlier USDA guidance issued to states clarifying that illegal immigrants and certain non-citizens are not eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny over state compliance with federal regulations. Secretary Rollins highlighted that 22 states—mostly considered politically blue—have so far refused to provide recipient data needed to verify eligibility. “Right now, we are requiring states turn over recipient data to fight waste, fraud, and abuse. Even though 22 blue states have refused to provide the data, we are using every tool to compel their compliance. WHAT are they hiding? WHO are they hiding? Thank you, President Trump, for putting Americans first!” she added.
A Federal Executive Order Mandating Eligibility Verification
This initiative stems from an executive order issued by President Trump on February 19, 2025, instructing the USDA to enhance its eligibility verification systems across all assistance programs. The order specifically requires measures to exclude “any ineligible alien who entered the United States illegally or is otherwise unlawfully present in the United States” from receiving taxpayer-funded benefits.
Following the executive order, the USDA implemented several key steps to ensure compliance. In April, the department instructed state agencies to verify applicants’ identities for SNAP benefits, collect Social Security numbers to cross-check against federal databases, and consult the Department of Homeland Security’s records to confirm legal residency status. These measures are intended to create a rigorous system for confirming eligibility and preventing misuse of federal assistance programs.
Later, in July, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, further restricting SNAP eligibility for immigrants. This legislation reinforced the administration’s focus on ensuring that benefits are reserved for legal residents and citizens while safeguarding the program’s sustainability for those who are lawfully entitled to assistance.
Clarifying Eligibility Rules for Immigrant Groups
In October, the USDA issued guidance to all SNAP state agencies to clarify eligibility rules for immigrant populations. The memo specified that certain groups—including refugees, parolees, asylum seekers, and individuals whose deportation has been withheld—are not automatically eligible for SNAP benefits. Only those immigrants who obtain green cards and meet program requirements are entitled to assistance.
These steps reflect the administration’s broader effort to prevent fraud while maintaining support for vulnerable legal migrants. Secretary Rollins emphasized the need for compliance across all states to ensure the proper use of federal funds.
According to USDA audits, significant inefficiencies have already been identified in SNAP distribution. Rollins reported that funding was being sent to nearly 186,000 deceased individuals and that approximately half a million recipients were receiving benefits twice. Such discrepancies illustrate the necessity of comprehensive program reviews and accurate eligibility verification.
State Resistance and Legal Challenges
Not all states have welcomed the USDA’s stricter enforcement measures. On November 26, a coalition of 21 states, along with the District of Columbia, filed a lawsuit against the USDA, challenging restrictions on SNAP benefits for certain immigrant groups. Washington State’s Attorney General, Nick Brown, criticized the federal government’s actions as an unlawful attempt to remove benefits from eligible green card holders.
“SNAP benefits ensure Washingtonians, including seniors, children, and people living with disabilities, have enough to eat every day,” Brown said. “Now, without any warning or legal basis, USDA is trying to rip these benefits away from green card holders in our communities. We will fight this illegal move and protect SNAP for Washingtonians.”
The administration has maintained that federal statutes clearly delineate eligibility. Legal immigrants, including asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals whose deportation has been withheld, are eligible for SNAP benefits once they obtain green cards and meet program requirements. The USDA’s review, therefore, is intended to reinforce compliance with existing laws rather than remove benefits from those lawfully entitled.
Addressing Social Dysfunction and Federal Oversight
President Trump has consistently warned of broader social challenges linked to the improper distribution of government benefits. In a November 28 post on X, he highlighted the strain on federal programs caused by illegal or ineligible recipients. According to the president, the official foreign population in the United States stands at 53 million, many of whom, he claimed, are receiving government support despite being from failed nations, criminal backgrounds, or other vulnerable circumstances.
“The official United States foreign population stands at 53 million people (Census), most of which are on welfare, from failed nations, or from prisons, mental institutions, gangs, or drug cartels,” Trump wrote. “They and their children are supported through massive payments from Patriotic American Citizens.”
He further explained that migrants with green cards earning $30,000 annually could receive roughly $50,000 in federal benefits for their families. According to President Trump, this “refugee burden” contributes significantly to social dysfunction in the country, impacting living standards and public safety. He argued that curbing benefits for ineligible recipients is necessary to preserve resources for Americans and ensure the effectiveness of federal programs.
Proposals to Limit Benefits to Legal Citizens
In addition to USDA actions, the administration is also moving to restrict tax benefits for ineligible immigrants. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that federal regulations would be revised to clarify that certain income tax benefits will no longer be refundable to illegal or non-qualified immigrants. These benefits include the Additional Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and American Opportunity Tax Credit.
The administration’s objective is to focus limited federal resources on citizens and legal residents while reducing waste and fraud in programs funded by American taxpayers. By enhancing verification systems, cross-referencing federal databases, and implementing stricter oversight, the Trump administration is seeking to ensure accountability at every level.
USDA’s Multi-Pronged Strategy for Compliance
The USDA review is not limited to SNAP alone. Secretary Rollins has emphasized that all USDA programs will undergo evaluation to guarantee that only legal citizens receive benefits. This includes programs related to food assistance, disaster relief, and agricultural subsidies.
The department’s strategy involves:
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Cross-checking beneficiary data against federal databases to verify citizenship and residency status.
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Collaborating with states to ensure compliance with federal eligibility rules.
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Identifying and eliminating duplicate or fraudulent claims, including benefits sent to deceased individuals.
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Implementing technology solutions to streamline verification and monitoring.
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Providing guidance and support to states while enforcing compliance measures.
These measures are intended to protect the integrity of federal programs, preserve taxpayer dollars, and maintain public trust in the government’s ability to manage social assistance effectively.
Public Support and Criticism
The USDA initiative has received mixed reactions. Supporters argue that verifying eligibility is a necessary step to ensure that federal benefits are allocated fairly and effectively. They contend that taxpayer-funded programs should prioritize Americans and lawfully present residents, particularly in an era of rising social program costs and budgetary constraints.
Critics, including state officials and advocacy groups, argue that stricter enforcement may disproportionately affect vulnerable immigrant populations. Lawsuits filed by states challenge the federal government’s attempts to remove benefits from certain legal immigrants, emphasizing the need to protect those who are lawfully entitled to assistance.
Despite these challenges, the administration maintains that the review is consistent with federal law and serves the national interest. President Trump and his cabinet have framed the initiative as a step toward social stability, fiscal responsibility, and fairness for citizens who contribute to federal programs.
Conclusion: Putting Americans First
The USDA’s comprehensive review of government assistance programs under President Trump represents a landmark effort to enforce accountability and ensure that federal benefits reach those legally entitled. By combining legal directives, technological tools, and strict oversight, the administration aims to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse while preserving programs for American citizens.
Secretary Brooke Rollins has made clear that the initiative is ongoing, and compliance will be required from all states, regardless of political affiliation. The USDA’s work reflects the administration’s broader commitment to putting Americans first, addressing social dysfunctions linked to misuse of federal benefits, and reinforcing the principle that taxpayer-funded programs should serve citizens lawfully entitled to them.
With enhanced verification systems, executive oversight, and legislative support, the Trump administration is poised to strengthen the integrity of social assistance programs while ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in the distribution of federal benefits.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
