The Justice Department has issued an opinion requiring states to report illegal immigrants enrolled in welfare programs to the Department of Homeland Security or risk losing federal funding for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Supplemental Security Income programs. The opinion, published Wednesday by the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel, concludes that a 1996 welfare law mandate requires all state agencies – not just welfare offices – to report known illegal immigrants. The Washington Examiner and Washington Times report the ruling could potentially weaken states’ sanctuary policies. The DOJ opinion relates to funding states receive for the aforementioned programs.
This new requirement stems from an interpretation of the 1996 welfare reform law, which stipulated states must verify immigration status for certain benefits. The Justice Department argues that this verification extends to reporting known illegal immigrants to federal authorities. The ruling applies to states that accept federal welfare funds, creating a condition for continued funding.
While the legal basis for the opinion is rooted in the 1996 law, the timing and emphasis on enforcement have drawn scrutiny. The Washington Times frames the decision as a move to counter sanctuary policies, suggesting it aims to compel states to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. No center-leaning outlet reported this story.
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