The Department of Housing and Urban Development ordered an immediate review of the citizenship status of those receiving public housing assistance, saying Friday that an initial review spotted nearly 6,000 ineligible people, and nearly 200,000 more who needed more verification.
That initial review also found nearly 25,000 people the government believes are dead yet were still listed on the beneficiary rolls.
HUD called the verification a “cleaning house” and said public housing authorities and rental property owners have 30 days to complete the reviews.
“We will leave no stone unturned,” said Secretary Scott Turner. “Ineligible non-citizens have no place to receive welfare benefits. With this new directive and audit, HUD is putting new processes in place to safeguard taxpayer resources and put the American people first.”
HUD said it worked with Homeland Security to run the names of all people receiving Section 8 or Section 9 housing assistance through DHS’ Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements database. That reveals the immigration status.
HUD is supplying reports to property owners and housing authorities with the names to be rechecked.
Those who fail to comply will face sanctions, the department said.
It said it will “recapture” payments made on behalf of dead or otherwise ineligible tenants.
The department said it was acting pursuant to an executive order from President Trump.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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