D.C. Poised to Give Illegal Aliens Access to Taxpayer-Funded Housing

Less than a year after passing a bill to allow illegal aliens to vote in local elections, the D.C. City Council is now trying to grant illegal aliens access to taxpayer-funded housing. Introduced in June, the Local Rent Supplement Program Eligibility Temporary Amendment Act would prohibit the D.C. Housing Authority from asking about immigration status for local rent supplement vouchers under its Rent Supplement Program. The D.C. City Council passed the bill and it has been sent to Mayor Bowser for approval.

In addition to willfully ignoring an applicant’s immigration status, the bill prohibits the D.C. Housing Authority from considering or asking an applicant about his/her criminal history – including previous arrests and convictions and other pending criminal matters. The bill, as drafted, would provide taxpayer-funded benefits to support criminal aliens.

Violent criminal activity is skyrocketing in Washington D.C. in recent years.  So far in 2023, there have been 146 homicides, which is an 18 percent increase from last year. Other violent crimes are up by nearly 40 percent from last year, according to the DC Metropolitan Police Department. 

According to the Associated Press, the violent crime is fueled by more homicides and carjackings, and the disagreements between D.C.’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, and the City Council haven’t gone unnoticed. Even Congress has held hearings and reviewed the city’s recent and contentious public safety legislation. 

In addition to the spike in crime, the District of Columbia has seen an increase in the number of illegal aliens moving to the city as a result of being a sanctuary jurisdiction.  In fact, last year, the Mayor announced the creation of the Office of Migrant Services to support illegal aliens and “tailor” services to their needs. According to a recent media report, however, this Office “has just one full-time employee and the District has spent more than $20 million responding to the crisis.”

Given the failing leadership by the City Council and the Mayor, Congress should continue to scrutinize what the District of Columbia does when it comes to immigration matters. The bill currently under review by the Mayor is yet another example of a sanctuary city putting illegal aliens before American taxpayers.

The Mayor has until August 4 to act on the bill.  To view the proposal, click here.