Trump Administration Moves to Evict Undocumented Immigrants from Public Housing

The Trump administration has introduced new federal housing rules that require all recipients of government-subsidised housing to verify their legal immigration status, placing thousands of undocumented migrants at risk of losing access to assistance.

The directive, issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), requires Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to submit detailed reports within 30 days. These reports must include tenant names, mailing addresses, housing unit details such as cost and number of bedrooms, and proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status. The policy is grounded in Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act, which bars undocumented individuals from receiving federal housing aid.

HUD officials argue the move is aimed at ensuring public resources are allocated only to those legally eligible. The department claims that gaps in enforcement have allowed some ineligible residents to remain in subsidised housing, limiting availability for qualified families. Currently, only one in four eligible households receives housing support.

Under the new rules, PHAs that fail to comply could face penalties, including loss of funding. HUD plans to conduct audits and programme reviews to monitor enforcement. The department says the changes are necessary to address what it describes as insufficient immigration screening in existing housing programmes.

The policy has raised concern among immigrant families, particularly those in the process of regularising their status who depend on housing support during legal transitions.

Advocacy groups warn that the changes could increase housing insecurity among vulnerable populations, including Kenyan and other African migrants living in the United States. The directive is part of a broader shift linking access to social services with immigration enforcement. It follows previous Trump-era policies that have tied public benefits to legal status, reflecting a continued emphasis on restricting eligibility for federal assistance based on immigration classification.

Local housing authorities are now working to meet the federal deadline, with many facing administrative pressure and uncertainty. Legal challenges are expected as migrant communities and advocacy organisations prepare to contest the policy's impact on housing access and community stability.