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House Passes Deporting Fraudsters Act as Nearly All Democrats Vote Against Deporting Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Welfare Fraud

Sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio), the bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly classify fraud against taxpayer-funded programs — such as SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security, or other federal benefits — as grounds for deportation and permanent inadmissibility.

RWTNews StaffRWTNews Staff
The U.S. Capitol Building is shown in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Capitol Building is shown in Washington, D.C., home to the United States Congress and seat of the legislative branch of government. Ramaz Bluashvili / Pexels

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Deporting Fraudsters Act on March 18, 2026, in a 231-186 vote, with 186 Democrats opposing the legislation that would make welfare fraud by illegal immigrants a deportable offense.

Sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio), the bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly classify fraud against taxpayer-funded programs — such as SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security, or other federal benefits — as grounds for deportation and permanent inadmissibility. It targets non-citizens who defraud the government or steal benefits intended for American citizens.

Republicans framed the measure as basic accountability. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) said, “If you admit to or you’re convicted of fraudulently receiving public benefits, you are out of here on the next plane and can never return.” Taylor added, “It’s a no-brainer — if an illegal alien defrauds the United States or steals benefits from our nation’s most vulnerable, they should be permanently removed from our country.”

Democrats overwhelmingly opposed the bill, arguing it was redundant because non-citizens convicted of fraud are already deportable under existing law. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) called it “another week, another redundant and completely unnecessary immigration crime bill,” while others warned it could erode due process by allowing deportation before a criminal conviction.

The vote highlights growing Republican focus on welfare fraud involving illegal immigrants. Recent investigations, including a House Oversight Committee probe into Minnesota’s social services programs, have uncovered billions in potential losses from schemes involving fake meal sites and fraudulent claims. Federal prosecutors have charged nearly 100 individuals in related cases, many involving non-citizens.

The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it faces long odds due to Democratic opposition and the 60-vote filibuster threshold. Republicans view the bill as a straightforward step to protect taxpayer dollars, while Democrats argue it is unnecessary and risks politicizing immigration enforcement.

The House passage comes amid broader debates over border security and the cost of illegal immigration to federal entitlement programs. No immediate Senate action has been scheduled.