Trump Administration Implements Strict Housing Policy Targeting Undocumented Immigrants
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has introduced a comprehensive new policy aimed at excluding undocumented immigrants from accessing public housing assistance, a move that could significantly impact migrant families, including Kenyan residents in the United States.
In a directive issued by HUD Secretary Scott Turner, all Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are mandated to submit detailed reports within 30 days. These reports must include the names, mailing addresses, unit costs, bedroom counts, and, crucially, verified proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status for all individuals residing in HUD-funded housing or receiving Section 8 vouchers.
This policy enforces Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act, which prohibits undocumented immigrants from benefiting from federal housing programs. HUD officials emphasize that the measure is designed to prevent unauthorized individuals from “riding the coattails” of American taxpayers and to ensure that housing subsidies support only eligible U.S. residents.
According to HUD, only one in four eligible families currently receives housing assistance, a shortfall partly attributed to inadequate enforcement of immigration eligibility requirements. The new directive aims to address this gap by requiring PHAs to provide comprehensive tenant data, with non-compliance potentially resulting in penalties such as loss of HUD funding or disqualification from program participation.
The announcement has raised concerns among migrant communities, particularly those awaiting immigration status adjustments who depend on subsidized housing. HUD has pledged to employ all available enforcement tools, including audits and program evaluations, to guarantee adherence to the new regulations.
This housing policy represents the latest in a series of immigration-related enforcement actions under the Trump administration, which continues to link social welfare benefits with immigration status verification.
