DOJ Affirms Legislative Rule that All States Participating in Federal Welfare Programs Must Report Illegal Aliens to DHS
3rd September 2026
The Justice Department has issued an important ruling requiring states to follow the legislated rule of reporting illegal aliens who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This rule can substantially alter the nature of financial support programs currently taking place with federal funds.
The Office of Legal Counsel has issued a legal opinion clarifying that when a state chooses to participate in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, all agencies within that state — not only those that administer TANF or SSI benefits — must report individuals known to be not lawfully present in the United States to The Dept of Homeland Security.