Sw Louisiana News

Congressman Clay Higgins has reintroduced the Safeguarding American Workers’ Benefits Act in Washington, D.C. The proposed legislation aims to prevent individuals without proper work authorization, including illegal migrants, from claiming federal tax credits. This move is seen as a potential cost-saving measure for upcoming budget reconciliation legislation.

According to analyses by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Joint Committee on Taxation (JTC), the bill could save American taxpayers $27.8 billion over a decade. Currently, individuals with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), including illegal migrants, can receive Child Tax Credit (CTC) or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) benefits. The new legislation would require applicants for these credits to have legally immigrated to the United States and possess a work-authorized Social Security Number.

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Congressman Higgins stated, “Over the past four years, Democrats prioritized financial compensation and benefits to illegal aliens over American citizens.” He added that this initiative would help reduce taxpayer burden and national debt while potentially offering savings for future budget processes.

Senator Hyde-Smith expressed support for President Trump's approach to curbing wasteful spending and enforcing immigration laws. She remarked, “The environment is certainly friendlier now to adopt legislation that saves billions of dollars and ensures that only U.S citizens and persons authorized to work can benefit from the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit.”

The Safeguarding American Workers’ Benefits Act will be part of discussions on extending Trump-era tax cuts set to expire this year.