Congressional Republicans have introduced a bill to end housing grants to sanctuary cities defying the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The bill, called the No Community Development Block Grants for Sanctuary Cities Act, prevents sanctuary cities from receiving federal subsidies.
“Cities that encourage illegal immigration shouldn’t be rewarded with federal housing subsidies,” said Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN). “The Trump administration has made it clear that illegal immigration will not be tolerated anywhere in the United States, and cities that defy American sovereignty will face the consequences. I’m pleased to reintroduce this legislation that prevents taxpayer dollars from flowing to sanctuary cities that refuse to enforce the law.”
A companion bill has been introduced by Rep. Ralph Norman (R-NC).
“It’s simple: if you’re going to ignore federal immigration law, don’t expect to get a dime of federal tax dollars,” Norman stated. “Sanctuary cities are putting politics over public safety, and that’s unacceptable. This bill makes clear that cities choosing to harbor illegal immigrants at the expense of public safety will no longer receive taxpayer money.”
The bill states that any “State or political subdivision of a State that has in effect a statute, ordinance, policy, or practice that prohibits or restricts any government entity or official” from cooperating with immigration procedures is ineligible for community development block grants.
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the program provides grants “on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.”
