Secretary Chavez-DeRemer warns states could lose federal funds if illegal immigrants allowed access to unemployment benefits

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer is urging governors to comply with President Trump’s directives ensuring tax dollars are not spent on encouraging or rewarding illegal immigration. In a letter sent today, the Secretary reminds all states that failing to fulfill existing legal obligations will result in the loss of federal funding through the Title III UI administrative grant.

“Our nation’s unemployment benefits exist solely for workers who are eligible to receive them,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer wrote. “Unemployment benefits are not a handout for those in our country illegally.”

The Secretary’s reminder comes after the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration sent a letter last week to state unemployment insurance administrators, urging them to use the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE immigration database. Offered at no cost because of an action by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, this system will ensure states can verify the immigration status of individuals who file claims and indicate whether they are U.S. citizens.

“I am committed to ensuring that the U.S. Department of Labor enforces the law and will personally work to safeguard Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars. I look forward to working with you on this effort,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer concluded in the letter.

Read the Secretary’s full letter to governors.