Poll Results

YES: 12% | NO: 88%

In this recent Spending Survey, we asked:

“Should illegal immigrants be eligible for welfare benefits in the U.S.?”

This question addresses one of the most debated issues in American politics: who should have access to taxpayer-funded assistance programs like food stamps, housing aid, or cash benefits. While some argue that welfare should be strictly limited to legal residents and citizens, others believe aid should be extended to anyone in need — regardless of legal status.

Here’s how voters responded:

• Yes – They Should Be Eligible: 12%

• No – They Should Not Be Eligible: 88%

Why This Issue Matters

Welfare programs are meant to provide a safety net for individuals and families in financial hardship. But with rising immigration and continued economic uncertainty, there’s growing debate over whether non-citizens — especially those in the U.S. unlawfully — should receive any portion of those benefits.

At its core, this issue reflects differing views on fairness, legality, compassion, and the proper use of taxpayer funds.

Arguments from Those Who Said “No – They Should Not Be Eligible”

• Public Funds Should Serve Citizens First:
  Many respondents believe welfare benefits should be reserved for U.S. citizens and legal residents, especially during times of economic strain.
• Incentivizes Illegal Immigration:
  Critics argue that providing government assistance to those who entered the country illegally creates an incentive for others to do the same — putting additional pressure on social systems.
• Strains Limited Resources:
  Welfare budgets are not unlimited. Opponents worry that expanding benefits to undocumented immigrants could reduce support for struggling citizens and lawful residents.
• Undermines the Rule of Law:
  Offering taxpayer-funded assistance to those in the country unlawfully is viewed by many as a contradiction of immigration enforcement and national integrity.
• Encourages Long-Term Dependency:
  Some argue that such policies reduce the incentive to regularize immigration status or pursue legal avenues of employment and support.

Arguments from Those Who Said “Yes – They Should Be Eligible”

• Humanitarian Support Is Essential:
  Supporters believe basic welfare — such as food, shelter, and emergency aid — should be offered to anyone in crisis, regardless of immigration status.
• Helps Families, Including U.S. Citizens:
  Many undocumented immigrants live in mixed-status households. Denying benefits could harm U.S.-born children who rely on that support.
• Local and State Programs Already Exist:
  Some states and cities have already created programs that provide limited benefits to undocumented residents, especially during health or housing crises.
• Public Health and Safety Benefit Everyone:
  Access to food, housing, and healthcare helps keep communities stable, reducing homelessness, malnutrition, and illness — which affects everyone, not just the recipients.
• Long-Term Residents Contribute Too:
  Many undocumented individuals have lived and worked in the U.S. for years and contribute to local economies. Supporters argue they should not be excluded from public safety nets.

Conclusion

According to this poll, a large majority of respondents oppose extending welfare benefits to illegal immigrants, citing fairness, legal integrity, and the importance of prioritizing citizens and lawful residents.

As the conversation around immigration and entitlement spending continues, this issue will remain a central flashpoint in how Americans define compassion, accountability, and public responsibility.