Rep. Randy Fine Pushes Explosive Bill to Ban All Non-Citizens from Welfare — Including Medicaid, Section 8, and SNAP
Florida Congressman Randy Fine has ignited a national debate with his newest proposal — a sweeping federal bill that would bar all non-citizens, including lawful residents, from accessing welfare programs in the United States. Announced on October 30, 2025, the legislation is being described by Fine as a “long-overdue correction” to what he calls a broken welfare system that rewards dependency at the expense of taxpayers.
“If you want free stuff, go home,” Fine declared in a statement that quickly went viral across social media. The bill aims to cut off access to programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Section 8 housing, and Medicaid — three of the largest federal safety nets currently open in limited forms to certain immigrant groups.
Fine, a second-term Republican known for his unapologetic stance on immigration and government accountability, argues that his bill is not about punishment but fairness. “American citizens come first,” he said. “We have veterans sleeping on the streets and families struggling to pay rent, yet billions in taxpayer dollars are being spent on people who aren’t even citizens. It’s time to fix that.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 1.7 million non-citizens — most of them legal immigrants — are enrolled in SNAP benefits nationwide. Federal law already bars undocumented immigrants from receiving direct welfare payments, but certain categories of non-citizens, such as refugees and legal permanent residents after a five-year waiting period, remain eligible for assistance. Fine’s bill would eliminate those exceptions entirely, effectively redefining eligibility across the welfare system.
The congressman’s announcement comes amid growing Republican momentum on Capitol Hill for tighter welfare restrictions, a policy area that resonates strongly with working-class voters frustrated by rising taxes and persistent inflation. Fine’s proposal has already drawn praise from prominent GOP allies who see it as a return to the “America First” welfare model championed by President Trump.
In a statement of support, conservative lawmakers highlighted the policy’s projected savings — potentially $180 billion over a decade, based on Heritage Foundation estimates — while also pointing to what they call “moral clarity.” One senior House Republican noted, “This is about restoring dignity to American work and ending a welfare system that incentivizes migration for benefits.”
Democrats, however, are calling the move discriminatory and politically opportunistic. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) called it “cruel and unconstitutional,” arguing that many lawful immigrants contribute to taxes and deserve access to basic assistance. Progressive advocacy groups have already vowed to challenge the bill in court should it pass.
Still, Fine and his allies appear undeterred. Supporters say the measure will likely sail through the House, where Republicans maintain a narrow majority, and force Democrats in the Senate to take a public stance ahead of the 2026 elections.
“This is about drawing a line,” Fine said in an interview. “We’re not heartless, but we’re done footing the bill for the rest of the world. America takes care of Americans first.”
The bill is expected to be formally introduced next week, setting the stage for a fiery policy showdown that could reshape how the U.S. defines welfare access in an election year already charged with debate over border control, citizenship, and national priorities.
