The Trump administration announced on Monday the initiation of an investigation into California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants. This state program is designed to provide monthly cash benefits to non-citizens who are aged, blind, or disabled but are ineligible for Social Security benefits due to their immigration status. The investigation is primarily focused on Los Angeles, where the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office has issued a Title 8 subpoena to the program, as stated in a news release by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The subpoena calls for comprehensive records from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, the agency responsible for administering the state program. The purpose is to ascertain whether ineligible immigrants have received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration over the past four years. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized California’s policies, claiming that “radical left politicians in California prioritize illegal aliens over our own citizens.” She emphasized that the administration aims to identify any misuse of public benefits and ensure that undocumented immigrants are not receiving federal assistance.
Legal experts, such as Kevin R. Johnson, a law professor at UC Davis, have raised concerns about the broad scope of the subpoena. Johnson noted that it seeks not just basic information but also affidavits from individuals who supported immigrants’ applications. This could instill fear among those who may feel that their support for undocumented individuals could lead to criminal prosecution for harboring them. “Issuing a subpoena with this breadth is like trying to pick a fight,” Johnson remarked, indicating that it demands an extensive range of information without regard for privacy.
The implications of this investigation extend beyond mere legalities. Johnson suggested that the investigation might serve a broader agenda to create a “chilling effect” within immigrant communities. “Damage is done just by seeking the materials,” he stated, reflecting on the potential anxiety this may cause for individuals who rely on benefits. The investigation follows a presidential memorandum signed by Donald Trump on April 15, aimed at preventing undocumented immigrants from accessing benefits under the Social Security Act, in a bid to stop incentivizing illegal immigration.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than 2 million “ineligible” immigrants received a Social Security number in fiscal year 2024. The Public Policy Institute of California reports that around 1.1 million individuals receive monthly grants through Supplemental Security Income and State Supplementary Payments, with over half of these recipients aged 65 and older. The California Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants serves approximately 15,000 legal residents who do not meet additional criteria for SSI. This program was established in response to the 1996 Welfare Reform Act, which eliminated SSI eligibility for most noncitizens.
As the investigation unfolds, Johnson anticipates a protracted legal battle, marked by challenges from Los Angeles County attorneys and various court rulings. He indicated that a more narrowly tailored subpoena could have been more effective but suggested that the administration's broader aim is to instill fear among immigrant populations. “If they don’t get what they want, they’ll say it’s all the courts’ fault,” he added, highlighting the potential fallout for lawful benefit recipients who may feel targeted.
This investigation not only raises questions about immigration policy but also sheds light on the broader national debate surrounding public benefits and immigration reform. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor the implications for California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants and the communities it serves.
