Homeland Security Investigates California's Cash Aid Program for Immigrants

Homeland Security Investigates California's Cash Aid Program for Immigrants

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched an official investigation into California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), raising questions about eligibility oversight and the possible misuse of public funds. The probe is primarily focused on Los Angeles County, where federal agents have issued subpoenas seeking records of all participants in the program since January 2021.

What is CAPI?

CAPI is a state-funded program established in 1998 to assist elderly, blind, or disabled immigrants who are not eligible for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits due to their immigration status. Unlike SSI, which is federally funded, CAPI is fully funded by California taxpayers. The program was designed to ensure that legal immigrants who contributed to the state's economy and society would not fall through the cracks simply because they do not meet federal eligibility criteria.

Federal Scrutiny Over Eligibility

Federal officials, however, are now questioning whether CAPI may have been unlawfully accessed by undocumented immigrants. This scrutiny intensified following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in February 2025, which directs federal agencies to aggressively prevent individuals residing in the U.S. illegally from receiving taxpayer-funded benefits.

The DHS investigation will analyze whether individuals not legally present in the United States have been improperly enrolled in the program or have indirectly benefited from it. While CAPI is a state-run initiative, the inquiry seeks to determine if any federal benefits or resources were unlawfully accessed through the program’s operations.

California Officials Push Back

California state officials have defended the integrity of the program, asserting that CAPI is explicitly designed for legal immigrants and that its eligibility requirements are clear and enforced. They argue that the program fills a critical gap for elderly and disabled legal immigrants, many of whom lack access to federal safety nets.

In a statement, Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Social Services acknowledged receipt of the subpoenas and confirmed its cooperation with the federal investigation. However, they maintained that CAPI operates within state laws and guidelines.

Broader Implications

This investigation has the potential to set a precedent for how state-run programs for immigrants are monitored and scrutinized by federal authorities. It also fuels an ongoing national debate over the extent to which states can create safety nets for immigrants without running afoul of federal immigration laws.

Critics argue that the investigation reflects a broader attempt by the federal government to intimidate states like California that have historically taken a more inclusive approach to immigrant services. Supporters of the probe, however, insist that strict oversight is necessary to ensure taxpayer funds are not misused.

As the investigation unfolds, it could impact not only the CAPI program but also other state-administered assistance programs across the nation, especially in states with significant immigrant populations.

Homeland Security Investigates California's Cash Aid Program for Immigrants