When a State Chooses to Participate in TANF, It Accepts the Obligation to Report Illegal Aliens

The Office of Legal Counsel has issued a legal opinion clarifying that when a state chooses to participate in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, all agencies within that state — not only those that administer… pic.twitter.com/RBGFiNSrxh

— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) September 2, 2026

… TANF or SSI benefits — must report individuals known to be not lawfully present in the United States to @DHSgov .

“When a state chooses to participate in TANF, it accepts the obligation to report illegal aliens in the United States." -Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser of the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel