U.S. Representative Randy Fine, R-Ark., announced on Wednesday a new legislative proposal designed to “put American citizens first” and fundamentally alter how federal benefits are managed concerning non-citizens residing in the United States.
The American Citizens First Act introduces several significant measures intended to ensure priority is given to native-born individuals regarding access to government programs. It would revoke federal benefits for certain categories of immigrants, potentially including refugees, parolees, and special immigrant visa holders from specific countries. Furthermore, the bill aims to empower authorities by enabling the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to denaturalize citizens who participated in unlawful protests causing violence or property destruction.
A key component involves automatic termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationalities deemed eligible under stricter criteria if DHS determines conditions have improved sufficiently for safe return, or should a designated group receiving TPS surpass specified crime-rate thresholds. This reflects an effort to phase out certain protections more quickly than previously established frameworks might allow.
Fine emphasized the principle behind his bill in correspondence with Newsmax: “Hardworking Arkansans should not be forced to support non-U.S. citizens on federal programs.”
This legislative action follows a broader administration trend of heightened scrutiny towards immigration processes and benefits, particularly after incidents involving individuals from certain nations. The most notable recent event was the shooting incident near the White House over Thanksgiving weekend.
Since that incident, which resulted in the death of one National Guard soldier and injuries to another, the administration has implemented several policy shifts related to immigration status. Last week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) director indicated a review of cases for refugees arriving during President Biden’s tenure, while also signaling plans to reexamine green card applications for people from nations deemed “of concern” due to potential security risks.
The specific justification provided by DHS cites the aforementioned shooting incident as evidence requiring immediate policy adjustments. The agency noted that the suspect responsible was an Afghan national, further solidifying a focus on individuals originating from particular regions receiving intense examination under this new approach.
DHS officials have repeatedly stressed the value of citizenship and contrasted it with what they perceive as burdensome benefits extended to certain immigrant populations currently in the country or seeking entry. The administration’s directive laid out Tuesday targets specific groups for expedited removal consideration, including those who have already received green card approvals from previous administrations if they fall within designated “countries of concern.”
The unfolding policy landscape presents complex questions about fairness and resource allocation as officials continue to navigate these changes following significant security events affecting the immigration system.
