The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration within public housing, requiring all Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to conduct audits to verify the legal status of residents. HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced that each PHA has 30 days to complete these audits, ensuring compliance with federal requirements. Turner emphasized that illegal immigrants will no longer be able to access HUD-funded housing by exploiting the legal status of American citizens. The department warned that non-compliance could lead to federal funding cuts, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to cracking down on illegal immigration.
The move has been met with mixed reactions. While Republicans have praised the initiative, some critics have raised concerns about the potential strain on resources. Former HUD employee Cat Vielma warned that requiring a second, immediate accounting of residents’ legal status could divert staff from serving vulnerable populations such as seniors and veterans. Despite these concerns, Turner reiterated the administration’s commitment to enforcing laws against illegal immigration, including a recent Memorandum of Understanding with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to scrutinize public housing due to the surge in illegal immigration during the Biden administration.
Washington, D.C. has become a focal point of the Trump administration’s efforts, with a surge in National Guard troops and federal law enforcement in the city to address rising crime rates. Other major cities, including Chicago, could soon see similar deployments and immigration enforcement operations. Turner, who has been a vocal critic of illegal immigration, said that the initiative aims to ensure that American citizens are prioritized in public housing. The department’s actions align with the broader Trump administration’s strategy to address illegal immigration, which includes a focus on border security and deportations.
While some politicians, like Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio, have praised the crackdown, others have remained skeptical, pointing out that the current legal framework already requires proof of citizenship for public housing. Turner’s announcement, however, signals a renewed push to enforce these laws more strictly, potentially leading to a significant impact on public housing programs and the communities they serve.