Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, is introducing a bill to prevent the federal government from using taxpayer dollars to issue unacceptable identification cards to illegal immigrants.
The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., responds to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) planned launch of the ICE Secure Docket Card program this summer, which involves distributing approximately 10,000 cards to migrants released into the U.S.
The “No Taxpayer Funds for Illegal Immigrant Identity Cards Act” aims to “prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from using federal funds to establish the ICE Secure Docket Card program and to prohibit the use of documentation issued in connection with immigration proceedings to establish eligibility for federal public benefits.”
Nehls criticized the Biden administration, claiming its reversal of Trump-era policies led to increased migration at the southern border.
“Upon taking office, Joe Biden dismantled successful Trump-era policies, sending a message around the world that our border is wide open, encouraging over 9 million illegal aliens to cross our borders,” Nehls told Fox News Digital.
The Republican also argued that the cards will enable migrants to “take advantage of the American people.”
“If this wasn’t bad enough, his DHS is going to hand out IDs to illegal aliens instead of addressing the crisis he created—all at the expense of the American taxpayer,” Nehls said. “This is unacceptable. Joe Biden should be deporting illegal aliens, not giving them a way to further take advantage of the American people.”
The bill, shared first with Fox News Digital, mirrors legislation recently introduced in the Senate by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., also aiming to prevent federal funds from being used for the ICE Secure Docket Card program.
The ICE Secure Docket Card program, first reported in 2022, will see a limited rollout this summer, with approximately 10,000 cards distributed in three or four U.S. locations. While the agency has emphasized that plans are “pre-decisional” and subject to change, it expects the cards to “modernize documentation provided to some noncitizens.” The cards, however, will not serve as an official form of federal ID.
“While the specifics of the card and pilot are under development, it is important to note the secure card will not be an official form of federal identification,” ICE said. “The secure card will indicate it is for use by DHS agencies and would be provided only after national security background checks have been performed.”
