President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to end all taxpayer-funded programs benefiting illegal immigrants. The order directs federal agencies to eliminate programs that provide financial assistance to those unlawfully in the country, ensuring that taxpayer funds are used for American citizens instead.

To comply with the order, federal departments must identify and terminate funding for initiatives that offer financial benefits to illegal immigrants. The order also seeks to prevent federal funds from supporting local and state “sanctuary” policies that shield illegal immigrants from enforcement actions.

“My Administration will uphold the rule of law, defend against the waste of hard-earned taxpayer resources, and protect benefits for American citizens in need, including individuals with disabilities and veterans,” the order states, according to a White House fact sheet.

The U.S. House Homeland Security Committee has estimated that illegal immigration has cost American taxpayers approximately $451 billion since January 2021, Fox News reported. According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform, the total annual cost of illegal immigration exceeds $182 billion, with $66.5 billion in federal expenses and an additional $115.6 billion covered by state and local governments.

The Center for Immigration Studies has estimated that welfare programs, despite not being intended for individuals in the country illegally, could cost taxpayers $3 billion annually for every one million illegal immigrants. Additionally, FEMA has allocated over $1 billion to illegal immigrants since 2021, Fox News reported.

The executive order also criticizes the previous administration, stating that taxpayer funds were used to facilitate illegal immigration and support legal efforts to challenge deportation orders. The order cites a Congressional Budget Office report estimating that more than $16.2 billion in federal and state funds were spent on Medicaid-funded emergency services for illegal immigrants during President Biden’s tenure.

“The Biden Administration gave billions in taxpayer dollars to left-wing groups that facilitated mass illegal migration and provided legal services to challenge deportation orders,” the order states.