Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB746

Introduced
1/28/25  
Refer
1/28/25  

Caption

America First Act

Impact

The bill would lead to significant alterations in the landscape of federal benefits. Under this legislation, individuals who are granted parole, TPS, or asylum would lose their eligibility for programs like Medicaid and Medicare, which they previously accessed. There is a notable concern that this could lead to a public health crisis, as thousands could be denied essential healthcare services. Additionally, housing assistance would be curtailed, effectively disqualifying various immigrant families from receiving federal support for housing.

Summary

House Bill 746, titled the 'America First Act', seeks to limit eligibility for federal benefits among certain immigrants. It specifically aims to impose restrictions on healthcare access, housing assistance, and educational opportunities for non-citizens, particularly those with temporary legal statuses such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. The bill's proponents argue that it is necessary to prioritize benefits for U.S. citizens and legal residents, thus addressing concerns regarding immigration and welfare support.

Contention

There is considerable contention surrounding HB 746, particularly regarding its treatment of so-called 'sanctuary jurisdictions'—areas that limit police involvement in immigration enforcement. The bill stipulates funding reductions for these jurisdictions, creating tension between state and local governments. Critics argue that such measures could harm vulnerable populations, erode community trust in law enforcement, and ultimately lead to greater social division. Supporters maintain that enforcing immigration laws and limiting benefits is essential for protecting taxpayer interests and promoting legal immigration pathways.

Congress_id

119-HR-746

Policy_area

Immigration

Introduced_date

2025-01-28

Companion Bills

US SB62

Related America First ActThis 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.

Similar Bills

US SB62

America First ActThis 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.

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