February 25, 2025
Dear State, Tribal, Territorial, and Local Government Partners,
On February 19, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order entitled "Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders." As Secretary of Agriculture, I am committed to fulfilling the President's Executive Order.
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture plays an important role in providing nutrition services to vulnerable populations in the interest of our Nation. Program eligibility rules are determined by Congress. In 1996, Congress passed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA, PL 104-193) that generally prohibits illegal aliens from receiving Federal benefits, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. With its enactment, illegal aliens in the United States should not depend on taxpayer dollars to take care of their needs. President Trump's Executive Order reaffirms this important national policy-and puts the needs of Americans first. It is essential to use all available legal authority to end any incentives in FNS benefit programs that encourage illegal immigration. The President has made clear the status quo is not acceptable.
Recently, I directed senior staff at FNS to review the public benefit programs it administers at the Federal level to ensure alignment with the President's Executive Order. Following that review, FNS will implement necessary changes so all its programs are consistent with Federal law, including PRWORA. FNS will also work to revise public messaging so that information about program eligibility is accurate and does not encourage illegal aliens to use public benefit programs. Furthermore, FNS will take measures to improve eligibility verification and deter fraud.
Additionally, in accordance with the President's Executive Order, FNS will identify and effectuate measures consistent with law to prevent Federal resources from being used to support "sanctuary" policies of State and local jurisdictions that protect illegal aliens from deportation.
I look forward to working with state, Tribal, territorial, and local government partners to achieve the purpose of the President's Executive Order. I am confident its implementation will help feed low-income Americans, improve program integrity, and exercise sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Thank you for your continued work to help address the nutritional needs of vulnerable Americans. I welcome any ideas you might have in improving the administration of FNS nutrition programs and achieving alignment with the President's Executive Order.
Sincerely,
Brooke L. Rollins
Secretary
U.S. Department of Agriculture