Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner has announced a sweeping policy change requiring all tenants in federal housing programs to prove U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status. The rule, effective immediately, mandates that Public Housing Authorities nationwide verify the legal status of every resident within 30 days.

Turner emphasized that the measure aims to prevent “illegal aliens” from accessing taxpayer-funded Section 8 housing, which has been criticized for prioritizing non-citizens over eligible American families. Under the new guidelines, housing authorities must collect detailed documentation, including names, addresses, and proof of citizenship or lawful status, for all voucher recipients.

The policy reverses longstanding loopholes that allowed applicants to skip citizenship requirements, according to Turner. He stated the administration is “upholding the law to its fullest extent” by ending subsidies for individuals who “ride the coattails of hardworking American citizens.”

Critics argue that the rule disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, but supporters claim it ensures resources are allocated fairly. The move aligns with broader efforts to restrict federal benefits for undocumented immigrants, a key priority for President Trump’s administration.