Senator Tom Cotton has introduced legislation aimed at eliminating federal benefits for noncitizens, including essential programs such as Medicaid, housing assistance, student financial aid, and food stamps. The proposal, made public on March 15, 2024, emphasizes a priority for American citizens, reflecting Cotton’s ongoing commitment to immigration reform.
In addition to cutting federal benefits, the bill includes measures for denaturalization of individuals who allegedly undermine domestic stability through unlawful protests or violent acts. Cotton’s proposal seeks to streamline the process of removing noncitizens who fall within these criteria, as well as to expand the government’s authority to expedite deportation.
Key Provisions of the Bill
If enacted, this legislation would require a mandatory review of Afghan nationals currently residing in the U.S. under the Operation Allies Welcome program. The bill stipulates that Temporary Protected Status (TPS)—a safeguard against deportation for migrants fleeing crises—would be automatically terminated if the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that the conditions in their home countries no longer justify protection or if crime rates among those nationals exceed the national average by 20 percent.
TPS, established in the Immigration Act of 1990, has often been perceived as a long-term amnesty program, continuously renewed by multiple administrations since President Bill Clinton. Cotton’s legislation aims to retroactively apply the termination provisions to designations made since January 2017, which includes nations like Afghanistan, Haiti, Venezuela, and Somalia.
Cotton stated, “Hardworking Arkansans should not be forced to support non-U.S. citizens on federal programs. My bill will put American citizens first,” in a statement to Breitbart News. This reflects a significant shift in the dialogue surrounding immigration and federal assistance.
Implications for Federal Assistance
The implications of this bill are profound. Should it pass, it would fundamentally alter the landscape of federal benefits available to noncitizens, a move that critics argue could lead to increased hardship for vulnerable populations. Advocates for immigrant rights are expected to challenge the bill, arguing that such measures disproportionately affect those seeking refuge and stability in the U.S.
The timing of this legislation also raises questions about the broader immigration policy direction under the current administration. As debates continue, the public response to Cotton’s proposal is anticipated to be polarized, reflecting the ongoing national conversation about immigration, citizenship, and social responsibility.
As the legislative process unfolds, the focus remains on how these changes will impact both noncitizens and American citizens alike, as well as the future of immigration policy in the United States.