2025 DOL Policy Bars Illegal Immigrants From Taxpayer-Funded Workforce Programs

Key Takeaways

• On July 10, 2025, DOL enforces stricter identity and immigration checks for workforce benefits.
• USDA mandates states share SNAP records with federal government starting May 6, 2025.
• States risk losing federal funding if they fail to comply with new verification rules.

On July 10, 2025, the US Department of Labor (DOL) announced a major change in how states must handle taxpayer-funded workforce programs. This new policy aims to stop illegal immigrants from getting benefits paid for by taxpayers. The move is part of a larger effort by the federal government to make sure only people who are allowed to be in the United States 🇺🇸 can use these public programs. This update explains what changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what these changes mean for people and states involved in these programs.

What Changed: New Federal Rules on Public Benefits

The most important change is that the US Department of Labor now requires states to use much stricter checks to confirm who can get taxpayer-funded workforce benefits. This includes programs like unemployment help and job training. States must now:

• Use stronger identity and immigration status checks for everyone who applies for these programs.
• Share all records about who gets these benefits with the federal government for review.
• Follow new rules or risk losing federal funding for their workforce and unemployment programs.

This policy is not just from the DOL. On the same day, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) also made it clear that illegal immigrants cannot get federal food benefits, especially through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The USDA told all state agencies to use better checks and to share their records with the federal government as well.

These changes follow two executive orders from President Trump in early 2025:

• Executive Order 14218: “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders”
• Executive Order 14243: “Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos”

Both orders push federal agencies to work together and make sure that illegal immigrants do not get taxpayer-funded benefits.

Who Is Affected by the New Rules

This policy update affects several groups:

• Illegal immigrants: The new rules are designed to stop people who are not allowed to be in the United States 🇺🇸 from getting workforce and public benefits.
• State agencies: States must now use better systems to check who is applying for benefits and must share more information with the federal government.
• People applying for benefits: Everyone who applies for workforce or public benefits will face more checks to prove their identity and immigration status.
• Program administrators: Staff who run these programs must learn the new rules, update their systems, and make sure they follow all federal requirements.

Effective Dates and Timeline

• April 24, 2025: USDA issued new guidance to states about SNAP eligibility.
• May 6, 2025: USDA required states to start sharing SNAP records with the federal government.
• July 10, 2025: DOL announced the new policy for workforce programs.

These changes are already in effect, and states are expected to follow them right away. Any state that does not follow the new rules could lose federal funding for its workforce and unemployment programs.

Required Actions for States and Applicants

For State Agencies:

• Upgrade verification systems: States must use better tools to check the identity and immigration status of everyone who applies for taxpayer-funded benefits. This means connecting with federal immigration databases to confirm if someone is allowed to get benefits.
• Share records with federal government: All records about who gets benefits must be sent to federal agencies for review. This helps the government spot fraud or mistakes quickly.
• Train staff: Program administrators and staff must learn the new rules and how to use the new systems.
• Monitor compliance: States must keep checking that their programs follow the new rules. If they do not, they risk losing important federal funding.

For Applicants:

• Prepare for more checks: Anyone applying for workforce or public benefits will need to provide more proof of their identity and immigration status. This could mean showing more documents or waiting longer for approval.
• Understand eligibility: Only people who are allowed to be in the United States 🇺🇸 can get these taxpayer-funded benefits. If you are not sure about your status, check with an immigration lawyer or the agency before applying.
• Keep records: Make sure you have all your documents ready and keep copies in case you need to show them again.

For Program Administrators:

• Update procedures: Make sure all staff know the new rules and how to follow them.
• Communicate with applicants: Let people know about the new checks and what documents they need.
• Work with state and federal agencies: Stay in touch with other agencies to make sure your program is following all the new requirements.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have already applied for a workforce or public benefit and your application is still being processed, you may be asked for more documents or information. States are now required to use the new checks for all applications, even those that were started before July 10, 2025. This could mean:

• Longer wait times: It may take more time for your application to be reviewed and approved.
• Requests for more information: You might get a letter or call asking for more proof of your identity or immigration status.
• Possible denials: If you cannot provide the required documents, your application may be denied.

If you are worried about your application, contact the agency handling your case to ask what you need to do.

Why These Changes Are Happening: Policy Background

The push for stricter rules comes from the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). This law set the basic rules for who can get federal public benefits, saying that most non-citizens are not eligible. However, how this law was enforced has changed over the years.

The new actions in 2025 are the strongest enforcement of these rules since the law was passed. President Trump’s administration has made it a priority to stop illegal immigrants from getting taxpayer-funded benefits and to make sure states follow the rules closely.

Key Officials Involved

• Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer: She has warned states that if they do not follow the new rules, they could lose federal funding for their programs.
• Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins: She has led the USDA’s efforts to make sure illegal immigrants do not get SNAP or other federal food benefits.
• President Trump: He issued the executive orders that started this new push for stricter enforcement.

Support and Criticism

Supporters of the new rules say they are needed to protect taxpayer money and make sure only people who are allowed to be in the United States 🇺🇸 get public benefits. They argue that these steps will stop fraud and make the system fairer for everyone.

Critics, including some advocacy groups and Democratic officials, worry that the new rules could hurt people who are actually eligible for benefits. They say that mistakes in the new checks could mean that some people are wrongly denied help. They also worry about families where some members are citizens and others are not, saying these families could face more problems.

What This Means for States

States now have to spend more time and money to upgrade their systems and train staff. They must make sure they are following all the new rules or risk losing important federal funding. Some states may find it hard to keep up, especially if they have older computer systems or not enough staff.

States that do not follow the rules could lose federal money for their workforce and unemployment programs. This could mean less help for people who need it most.

What This Means for Immigrants and Applicants

For people applying for benefits, the process will now be more strict. You will need to show more documents and may have to wait longer for approval. If you are not allowed to be in the United States 🇺🇸, you will not be able to get these taxpayer-funded benefits.

If you are a legal immigrant or a citizen, you should still be able to get benefits, but you may need to provide more proof than before. If you have trouble, ask for help from the agency or a legal expert.

Possible Legal Challenges and Future Changes

Some groups and states are expected to challenge these new rules in court. They may argue that the rules are too strict or that they hurt people who should be able to get help. There may be more changes or new rules as these cases move forward.

The administration has also said that it may expand these strict checks to other federal programs in the future. This means that more types of public benefits could have the same rules soon.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

If you are a state agency or program administrator:

• Check the official guidance from the US Department of Labor and USDA.
• Upgrade your systems as soon as possible.
• Train your staff on the new rules and procedures.
• Communicate clearly with applicants about what they need to do.

If you are applying for benefits:

• Gather your documents before you apply.
• Be ready for more questions about your identity and immigration status.
• Ask for help if you are not sure what you need to provide.

If you are worried about your rights or your application, you can find more information and contact details on the US Department of Labor’s official website.

Summary Table: Key 2025 Federal Actions

Where to Get More Information

For the latest updates, official forms, and guidance, visit the US Department of Labor’s website. State agencies and program administrators can also find contact information for specific questions.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes mark one of the most serious efforts by the federal government to make sure that only eligible people get taxpayer-funded benefits. The new rules will affect many people and agencies, so it is important to stay informed and prepared.

Takeaways

• Stricter checks are now in place for all taxpayer-funded workforce and public benefit programs.
• Illegal immigrants are barred from getting these benefits under the new rules.
• States must follow the new rules or risk losing federal funding.
• Applicants should be ready to provide more proof of their identity and immigration status.
• More changes may come as legal challenges and new rules develop.

Staying up to date with official guidance and being prepared for more checks will help you avoid problems and make sure you get the help you are eligible for. If you have questions, always check with the official agency or a trusted legal expert.

Learn Today

Department of Labor (DOL) → Federal agency overseeing workforce programs and unemployment benefits in the United States.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) → Federal food assistance program offering benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families.
Executive Order → A directive from the President that manages operations of the federal government.
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) → 1996 law restricting federal public benefits access for most non-citizens.
Verification Systems → Technological tools and processes used to confirm identity and immigration status of applicants.

This Article in a Nutshell

The US now requires stricter identity and immigration verifications for taxpayer-funded workforce benefits. States must share records and risk losing funding if non-compliant. Applicants face more document checks and longer processing times. These steps aim to prevent illegal immigrants from accessing federal benefits, reflecting a strong federal enforcement push in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com