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Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) called for stronger immigration enforcement and an end to taxpayer-funded benefits for certain noncitizens, arguing that the consequences of congressional inaction are being felt by border towns, emergency rooms and legal immigrants.
Paul Pushes Immigration Enforcement
On Sunday, Paul made the remarks in a post on X, criticizing Congress for failing to take action on immigration.
“Every year Congress declines to act, the consequences land on somebody else,” he wrote.
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He said those consequences affect “the border towns,” “the emergency rooms” and legal immigrants who “spent a decade and a small fortune doing it the right way.”
Paul said his approach to immigration policy “starts with enforcement and ends with incentives.”
“It’s time to stop the taxpayer-funded benefits,” he wrote, referring to his End Welfare for Non-Citizens Act.
Every year Congress declines to act, the consequences land on somebody else. On the border towns. On the emergency rooms. On the legal immigrant who spent a decade and a small fortune doing it the right way.
I have consistently said the answer starts with enforcement and ends…
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) September 13, 2026
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Immigration Policy Debate
Earlier this month, Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi said the U.S. job market had been weak for both foreign-born and native-born workers, while higher unemployment among native-born workers challenged claims that restricting immigration would boost jobs and wages for U.S.-born workers.
In July, billionaire investor Bill Ackman called for immigration reforms to retain highly skilled talent, arguing that the U.S. should allow top researchers and creators to remain and contribute to the economy.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration reportedly considered a $100,000 bond for some green card applicants as part of its immigration crackdown.
The administration said the measure was intended to strengthen enforcement and ensure immigrants could support themselves financially.
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Immigration and Tax Credit Limits
Last month, the Treasury Department and IRS proposed restricting the refundable portions of four federal tax credits for immigrants who did not meet federal eligibility requirements.
The affected credits included the child tax credit, earned income tax credit, adoption tax credit and American opportunity tax credit.
Under the proposal, only U.S. citizens, nationals and qualified aliens would have been eligible for the refundable portions.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move would prevent taxpayer-funded benefits from going to people barred from receiving them.
Tax experts warned the changes could particularly affect lower-income noncitizens with work authorization.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
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