Bill

HR 746

America First Act

119th Congress Introduced by Jodey Arrington and 4 co-sponsors

The America First Act limits federal benefits for non-citizens, prioritizing citizens and requiring immigration status verification for health care, housing, and education.

Introduced in House

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HR 746

Summary of HR 746 - America First Act

Bill Number: HR 746
Title: America First Act
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced Date: January 28, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The America First Act aims to adjust federal policies regarding public benefits and services for non-citizens, with a focus on verifying immigration status and limiting access to certain federal programs. The bill seeks to prioritize American citizens in the allocation of federal resources and benefits.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions, which are outlined below:

Eligibility Adjustments: Modifies the eligibility criteria for non-citizens seeking federal public benefits under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act.
Citizenship Verification: Requires Head Start agencies to verify the citizenship status of participants.
Health Care Benefits: Establishes new eligibility requirements for certain federal health care benefits based on immigration status.
Housing Assistance: Implements restrictions on housing assistance for non-citizens.
Tax Credits: Introduces identification requirements for the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, including a permanent extension of certain temporary rules for the Child Tax Credit.
FEMA Prohibitions: Prohibits certain actions by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) related to non-citizens.
Postsecondary Financial Assistance: Limits eligibility for federal financial assistance for postsecondary education based on immigration status.
Sanctuary Jurisdictions: Reduces funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) for jurisdictions that are designated as "sanctuary" for undocumented immigrants.
Refugee Resettlement: Imposes limitations on refugee resettlement and services specifically for certain Haitian immigrants.
Federal Benefit Programs: Prohibits participation in federal benefit programs until satisfactory immigration status is verified.
WIC and School Meals: Requires verification of citizenship for participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and school meal programs.
Community Development Block Grants: Restricts the use of Community Development Block Grant funds and federal funding by tax-exempt organizations based on immigration status.
Regulatory Guidance: Establishes guidelines for implementing the provisions of the Act.

Affected Parties

The America First Act would primarily affect non-citizens seeking access to federal benefits, including health care, housing, and education. Additionally, it would impact federal agencies, state and local governments, and organizations that provide services to immigrants.

Legislative Actions

January 28, 2025: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to multiple committees, including:
- Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management
- Committee on Ways and Means
- Committees on Education and Workforce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Energy and Commerce

Related Legislation

S 62: A companion bill in the Senate that mirrors the provisions of HR 746.

This summary provides an overview of the America First Act, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on various stakeholders. The bill reflects a significant shift in federal policy regarding immigration and public benefits.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.