The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has subpoenaed a California program that gives money to immigrants to see if the money was handed out illegally.
Homeland Security announced Monday that it subpoenaed the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) to get ahold of all records for the program.
The big picture: Homeland Security said the program provides benefits to immigrants who are ineligible for Social Security benefits because they are in the United States illegally.
- The records are being requested from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, which administers the state program.
- Homeland Security will determine if ineligible illegal immigrants received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration from January 2021 onwards.
Zoom in: Homeland Security is subpoenaing the following records:
- Applicant’s name and date of birth
- Copies of applications
- Immigration status
- Proof of ineligibility for SSI from the Social Security Administration
- Affidavits in support of the application
Driving the news: Last month President Donald Trump signed a memorandum preventing illegal aliens from obtaining Social Security Act benefits.
- The order directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that illegal immigrants do not receive funds from Social Security programs and to prioritize civil or criminal enforcement against states or localities for potential violations of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act.
- Homeland Security said over two million illegal immigrants received a Social Security Number in fiscal year 2024 under President Joe Biden.
What they’re saying: “Radical left politicians in California prioritize illegal aliens over our own citizens, including by giving illegal aliens access to cash benefits,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “The Trump Administration is working together to identify abuse and exploitation of public benefits and make sure those in this country illegally are not receiving federal benefits or other financial incentives to stay illegally. If you are an illegal immigrant, you should leave now. The gravy train is over. While this subpoena focuses only on Los Angeles County – it is just the beginning.”
