Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) has introduced new legislation called the American Citizens First Act, which aims to prioritize American citizens in access to federal benefits and tighten immigration standards.
According to Senator Cotton, “Hardworking Arkansans should not be forced to support non-U.S. citizens on federal programs. My bill will put American citizens first.”
The proposed bill would end eligibility for a range of federal benefits—including SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance, and student financial aid—for anyone who is not a U.S. citizen. It also grants the Secretary of Homeland Security authority to revoke citizenship from naturalized individuals who participate in riots, violent or destructive protests, or actions intended to disrupt or overthrow the constitutional order.
Additional measures in the bill include expediting removal proceedings for asylum seekers and requiring comprehensive reviews of all Afghans admitted as refugees, parolees, or special visa holders since January 20, 2021. The legislation would also automatically terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals if their home country is deemed safe by the Secretary of Homeland Security or if crime rates among TPS recipients exceed a specified threshold.
The full text of the bill is available online.
