Trump Redirects Funds from Undocumented Immigrants to House Homeless Veterans

     President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order that redirects federal funds previously allocated for housing and services for undocumented immigrants toward the creation of a new national center dedicated to homeless veterans. The move marks a significant shift in federal priorities, aiming to address veteran homelessness-particularly in Los Angeles, home to the largest population of homeless veterans in the nation.

     The executive order mandates the creation of the National Center for Warrior Independence on the Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles Campus. This center will serve homeless veterans from across the country, with a goal of housing up to 6,000 veterans by 2028. Funding for the center will come from resources previously used for housing and services for undocumented immigrants, reflecting the administration’s stated commitment to prioritize veterans’ needs. The center will provide not only housing but also substance abuse treatment and employment support, aiming to foster self-sufficiency among veterans. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has been directed to use vouchers to support homeless veterans in Los Angeles and nationwide as part of this initiative.

     The order also calls for restoring accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs, including actions against employees who have engaged in misconduct and reviewing previous administration decisions regarding VA staffing. Veterans will see expanded access to care, including shorter wait times for medical appointments and increased options for virtual and weekend healthcare.

     Los Angeles is home to approximately 3,000 homeless veterans, accounting for about 10 percent of the nation’s homeless veteran population. The Trump administration has criticized previous administrations for allowing the West Los Angeles VA campus-originally intended to serve veterans-to fall into disrepair and for leasing portions of the property to private entities at low rates.

     The White House emphasized that the new center will help veterans rebuild their lives by providing the care and support to which they are entitled. President Trump stated, “Every veteran deserves our recognition,” and reiterated his belief that the federal government should treat veterans as heroes.

     The executive order represents a clear policy shift, prioritizing veterans’ needs over those of undocumented immigrants in terms of federal housing and support services funding. The administration argues that the nation’s security and prosperity depend on honoring and supporting those who have served in the military.

     In addition to the veteran homelessness initiative, Trump signed related orders aimed at regulatory reform and immigration enforcement, including a new program encouraging undocumented immigrants to self-deport, offering government-funded flights and a financial stipend for those who leave voluntarily.

     The National Center for Warrior Independence is expected to open in phases, with the capacity to serve thousands of veterans by 2028. Federal agencies have been tasked with presenting a detailed action plan within 120 days and ensuring that homeless veterans nationwide are aware of and can access the center’s services.

     The Trump administration asserts that this initiative fulfills a longstanding promise to veterans and marks a renewed federal commitment to addressing homelessness among those who have served the country