Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner has issued a stern warning about the use of taxpayer dollars for housing illegal immigrants.

According to Breitbart, Turner released an official letter to HUD grantees explicitly prohibiting the allocation of U.S. tax dollars for supporting or providing housing assistance to individuals who entered the country illegally.

The directive stems from President Trump's Executive Order 14218, titled "Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders," which was signed on February 19, 2025. This executive action aims to strengthen the enforcement of immigration laws and prevent the misuse of federal resources for supporting undocumented immigrants.

Trump Administration's Strict Immigration Policy Implementation

Turner's announcement represents a significant shift in federal housing policy enforcement. The HUD Secretary has instructed senior leadership to conduct a comprehensive review of existing programs and establish new mechanisms ensuring compliance with the executive order.

These changes will directly impact how federal housing assistance is distributed and monitored across the country.

Federal grant agreements will now include specific language requiring adherence to Executive Order 14218. This modification aims to prevent organizations from circumventing federal immigration policies while receiving government funding. The department has emphasized its commitment to serving American citizens who require housing assistance.

HUD's new directive specifically targets sanctuary jurisdictions that have historically resisted cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The department plans to implement measures to prevent federal resources from supporting state and local policies that impede the deportation of illegal immigrants.

HUD Secretary Emphasizes American Citizens First Approach

Turner shared his position through social media platform X, where he posted the official letter alongside a clear message to stakeholders. His statement emphasized the department's unwavering stance on the issue of taxpayer fund allocation.

Turner stated:

President Trump issued Executive Order 14218, 'Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders,' on February 19, 2025, to promote the rule of law and prevent American taxpayer dollars from being spent on federal assistance for illegal aliens. As Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), it is my responsibility to effectively implement the President's executive order at the agency.

The HUD Secretary has consistently maintained that the department's primary mission focuses on helping vulnerable American citizens achieve self-sufficiency. This approach aligns with broader Trump administration policies prioritizing American citizens' needs over those of undocumented immigrants.

Federal Housing Program Compliance Measures

The department has begun implementing stringent oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with the new directive. These measures include regular audits of grant recipients and enhanced reporting requirements for organizations receiving federal housing funds.

Organizations receiving HUD funding must now demonstrate their commitment to following federal immigration laws. This requirement extends to providing detailed documentation showing that resources are exclusively used to benefit eligible American citizens and legal residents.

The department has established new channels for stakeholders to contribute ideas for improving the implementation of Executive Order 14218. This collaborative approach aims to ensure effective execution while maintaining program efficiency.

Impact on Current Housing Programs

The directive affects various housing assistance programs nationwide. Local housing authorities must now implement additional verification procedures to ensure compliance with the new requirements. These changes may affect how housing assistance is distributed in communities across the country.

Housing organizations previously providing assistance to undocumented immigrants must adjust their programs to maintain federal funding eligibility. This adjustment period may create challenges for some organizations that have historically served mixed-status households.

The department has emphasized that these changes aim to optimize resource allocation for eligible American citizens while maintaining program integrity and effectiveness.

Final Implementation Details Released

Scott Turner's directive marks a decisive moment in federal housing policy enforcement under the Trump administration. The Housing and Urban Development Secretary's letter explicitly prohibits using taxpayer funds for housing illegal immigrants, reflecting a broader policy shift in federal assistance programs.

The implementation of Executive Order 14218 represents a significant change in how federal housing assistance is administered and monitored. These new requirements will affect housing organizations nationwide, requiring them to ensure strict compliance with immigration laws while providing essential services to eligible American citizens.