The Trump administration has issued a strong warning to Americans who sponsor migrants, saying they could face serious legal and financial consequences if the migrants they support rely on taxpayer-funded benefits. According to a memo obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation, sponsors may now be subject to steep fines, lawsuits, or even criminal charges.
Family-based immigrants in the United States generally require a citizen or permanent resident to act as a sponsor when applying for a green card. By signing the sponsorship agreement, the sponsor promises to provide financial support to ensure the migrant does not depend on public benefits. However, under the new rules, if the migrant does receive means-tested benefits such as welfare or cash assistance, the government agency that provided the aid can demand repayment directly from the sponsor.
The memo explains that failure to repay could result in the agency suing the sponsor for the full cost, including legal fees and additional expenses. Migrants themselves may also take legal action against their sponsors if the agreed-upon financial support is not provided. This creates multiple risks for sponsors who are legally bound to meet their obligations.
The rules go further by warning that any false information on sponsorship forms, such as lying about income or financial ability, could lead to criminal prosecution. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) memo states that cases involving suspected fraud will be referred to the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate for investigation. Submitting fraudulent sponsorship documents could also lead to the denial of the migrant’s green card application.
Officials say the goal is to prevent sponsors and migrants from pushing financial burdens onto American taxpayers. USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser emphasized that both migrants and sponsors must meet their fiscal obligations. He added that stricter enforcement is now a central part of the administration’s immigration agenda.
This move is part of a broader shift in U.S. immigration policy under Trump, where legal pathways are also being tightened. USCIS recently announced stricter reviews of green card applications, particularly for migrants who have previously used public benefits. Officials said such applicants may no longer qualify for permanent residency or citizenship.
The administration also plans to make the naturalization process more rigorous by reviewing an applicant’s financial responsibility, community involvement, and overall record of “Good Moral Character.” According to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, the agency is also stepping up efforts to prevent voter fraud and to block applicants with criminal backgrounds from gaining immigration benefits.
With these new measures, the Trump administration signals that sponsors of migrants must take their financial commitments seriously—or risk facing lawsuits, financial penalties, and even criminal charges.