WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner (HUD), is actively involved in efforts to end taxpayer-funded housing assistance for illegal foreign nationals.
In March 2025, Secretary Turner and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem signed the “American Housing Programs for American Citizens” Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement established a partnership to ensure federal housing programs primarily benefit U.S. citizens and legal residents. The MOU facilitates data sharing between HUD and DHS and involves a HUD liaison stationed at the Incident Command Center (ICC) to help identify individuals ineligible for these programs.
In April 2025, Secretary Turner issued a letter to HUD grantees and stakeholders, reinforcing that federal housing assistance will no longer be granted to illegal aliens or “sanctuary cities”. The directive explicitly states that HUD programs are reserved for the American people, aligning with President Trump’s Executive Order 14218, “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders”. This move aims to eliminate ambiguity in policy and prioritize U.S. citizens in accessing housing programs.
In line with these policies, HUD under Secretary Turner’s direction has revised the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) residency requirements, ensuring that illegal aliens and non-permanent residents cannot access FHA-insured mortgage financing. Secretary Turner stated that this action refocuses the use of taxpayer resources and federal housing programs to benefit U.S. citizens. He has also emphasized compliance with the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980, which prohibits HUD-funded service providers from offering financial assistance to illegal foreign nationals.
In August, HUD demanded that public housing authorities nationwide provide tenant citizenship information within 30 days, or risk losing federal funding. This action is part of the ongoing effort to ensure that only eligible individuals receive housing assistance.
“No longer will illegal aliens be able to leave citizenship boxes blank or take advantage of HUD-funded housing, riding the coattails of hardworking American citizens,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner.