"California's CAPI Program Under Investigation by Department of Homeland Security"
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"California's CAPI Program Under Investigation by Department of Homeland Security"
[!CDATA[The Department of Homeland Security is currently investigating California for allegedly providing federal benefits to undocumented immigrants. While federal law prohibits immigrants living in the U.S. illegally from receiving benefits, some states, including California, offer benefits regardless of citizenship status. The California Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) is a state-funded initiative that provides monthly cash benefits to elderly, blind, or disabled legal immigrants who are ineligible for Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) due to their immigration status. Established in 1998, CAPI aims to support immigrants in California by providing monthly payments ranging from $1,100 to $1,900 for eligible individuals and couples, with higher benefits for those in nursing home care. The program is solely funded by the state without federal assistance. The investigation into CAPI involves a subpoena issued to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, which oversees the program. Federal officials suspect that the program has allowed ineligible migrants to access benefits meant for Social Security recipients. The subpoena requests records to determine if ineligible migrants received Supplemental Security Income from the Social Security Administration between January 2021 and the present. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized California for prioritizing illegal aliens over citizens by providing them access to cash benefits, while Governor Gavin Newsom's office defended the program as intended for individuals with lawful status or legal protections. In the fiscal year 2024–25, CAPI supported 16,556 individuals, according to the California Department of Social Services. The subpoena issued by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seeks various records, including applicants' personal information, immigration status documentation, and proof of ineligibility for Supplemental Security Income. The move by DHS has raised concerns about privacy and enforcement issues affecting immigrant populations, with experts warning that the subpoena could facilitate mass deportation efforts by ICE. The California Department of Social Services is currently reviewing the request regarding the program administered by Los Angeles County. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the Trump Administration's commitment to identifying abuse of public benefits and ensuring that illegal immigrants do not receive federal benefits to stay in the country unlawfully. The investigation in Los Angeles County may lead to further federal enforcement actions depending on the findings.]]