Undocumented immigrants have long been denied access to most federal benefits and it is very unlikely that ineligible immigrants are receiving benefits erroneously. This executive order can cause a chilling effect for patients and caregivers seeking care and education, as it increases fear and confusion for undocumented people. This action may also cause state and federal grant-funded community-based health providers who provide care regardless of immigration status to lose federal funding. Without funding, undocumented immigrants and other members of the community may lose essential behavioral health and preventive care services.
Executive Office of the President - White House Office
A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.
Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.
Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.
Date Enacted
February 19, 2025
Last Updated
May 30, 2025
Policy Type
Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
Healthcare Coverage
Immigrant Health
Summary
This executive order directs the heads of federal departments and agencies to take a number of actions to ensure that taxpayer dollars do not go to support persons who lack a legal immigration status. These include (1) identifying federally funded programs that permit undocumented immigrants to obtain any cash or no-cash benefit, (2) send funds to any jurisdiction where sanctuary policies are in place, and (3) enhance eligibility verification systems so they exclude undocumented immigrants.
Impact Analysis
Take Institutional Action
Health systems and providers should continue to provide essential medical care for patients, regardless of immigration status. As of May 7, 2025, nothing has materially changed in terms of institutional obligations. Institutions should also instate practices that support the health and privacy of the people they serve, and make them well-known to the community to counter the intended chilling effect of these federal actions. Some examples are provided by the National Immigration Law Center here.
Associated or Derivative Policies
EO14287 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/02/2025-07789/protecting-american-communities-from-criminal-aliens
Presidential Memorandum "Preventing Illegal Aliens From Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits" https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/preventing-illegal-aliens-from-obtaining-social-security-act-benefits/
Policy Prior to 2025
Public Law 104-193 - “Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996” (“PRWORA”) https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-1793/pdf/COMPS-1793.pdf
Additional Resources
NILC Five Things to Know About the Executive Order Targeting Immigrants and Federal Assistance Programs (https://www.nilc.org/articles/five-things-to-know-about-the-executive-order-targeting-immigrants-and-federal-assistance-programs/)
Network for Public Health Law - Immigration Executive Actions and Public Health (https://www.networkforphl.org/resources/immigration-executive-actions-and-public-health/)
