DOJ warns US states could lose billions in welfare funds over immigration reporting

The US Justice Department has warned states that they could lose billions in federal welfare funding if they fail to report immigrants known to be in the country illegally to the Department of Homeland Security. This legal opinion, released Wednesday, expands reporting requirements beyond direct welfare agencies to include other state bodies like universities and departments of motor vehicles that may possess such information. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Joshua Craddock stated, "Failure to comply may lead to serious consequences, including loss of program funding." The Trump administration's move, which affects programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), could face legal challenges from Democratic-led states, some of which already allow immigrants without legal status to obtain driver's licenses or attend state universities.