(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) has introduced the Safeguarding Benefits for Americans Act. This legislation would strengthen social safety net programs and ensure their availability for U.S. citizens by preventing non-citizens from receiving federal welfare benefits, including Social Security and Medicare, by establishing strict verification measures, requiring benefit-administering entities to verify individuals through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Social Security Administration (SSA). It is estimated this legislation would save taxpayers $60 billion in the first year alone. This bill doesn’t just lower the financial burden of immigration, it also has the potential to renew Americans’ confidence in our immigration and welfare systems.
This bill is cosponsored by Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN) and Jim Baird (R-IN).
“Since taking office, President Biden has advocated for a progressive open-border agenda, resulting in a staggering 8.7 million illegal border crossings nationwide,” said Congressman Grothman. “The influx of illegal migrants through our southern border surpasses the population of 36 states. The number of those crossing illegally into the United States is overwhelming Border Patrol, American cities, and putting American citizens at risk. President Biden and his Administration have made over 60 decisions that have weakened our border security, such as halting the construction of the border wall system and eliminating the Remain in Mexico policy. America has become a beacon of prosperity throughout the world not because of our generous welfare system, but by how many jobs we provide for those looking for a better life for their family and themselves. Currently, illegal migrants are accessing benefits that are intended for U.S. citizens. This is serving as one more incentive for individuals to cross our border illegally. The Safeguarding Benefits for Americans Act will ensure benefits are available for U.S. citizens by decreasing the likelihood that people will cross into our country illegally in search of handouts. I want to give every immigrant a hand-up instead of a hand-out so they too can share the dignity that comes with an honest day’s work, just like my ancestors had when they came to this country.”
“Grothman’s bill provides a better strategy to support immigrant self-sufficiency and protect taxpayers,” said David J. Bier & Alex Nowrasteh, CATO Institute in their article.
“His bill would expand a 1996 law that restricted federal welfare to only noncitizens who were eligible to become U.S. citizens after living here as a legal permanent resident for five years. The Grothman bill would take the next logical step by limiting all benefits only to those who actually go through the naturalization process and become U.S. citizens.
“In addition to the $60 billion in savings, tax revenue would also increase as more noncitizens would work after losing their benefits
“Grothman’s bill will save taxpayers a boatload of money, and it would do it without losing the benefits that hardworking immigrants provide. With more self-reliant immigrants, America could open its doors to even more who want to contribute to this country.”
