The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issued a memo on Monday for state-level administrators of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) welfare program reminding them that it is illegal to give TANF benefits to illegal immigrants.

Because TANF is provided on Electronic Transfer Benefit (EBT) cards like the separate Food Stamps program, TANF balances can be withdrawn as cash from ATMs, meaning the government has little practical oversight as to how those dollars are spent.

“I will enforce the law to ensure illegal aliens do not receive federal benefits. Under President (Donald) Trump’s leadership we will end the incentive for illegal immigrants to come to America and collect benefits,” said ACF Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison.

Gradison warned that any officials caught distributing TANF benefits to illegal immigrants will be guilty of a violation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), which limits public welfare benefits to citizens and legal, qualifying immigrants.

Violations would also contradict President Trump’s February executive order demanding an end to taxpayer-funded welfare benefits for illegal immigrants.

“ACF will use all available options, including direct oversight, as well as providing targeted technical assistance, to ensure compliance on prohibitions against grantees or subgrantees providing direct benefits to illegal aliens or any other actions that contravene PRWORA, the Income and Eligibility Verification System requirements, 42 USC 1320b-7, or President Trump’s Executive Order 14218,” said Gradison.

The memo builds upon a letter sent earlier this month to state, tribal, and local partners of the ACF, ordering an end to TANF benefits for illegal aliens.

“Illegal aliens have already violated United States law and we will not be spending taxpayer dollars to take care of their needs. President Trump’s Executive Order reaffirms this important national policy and puts the needs of Americans first,” said Gradison.

TANF benefits are intended to help low-income American families with food, healthcare, energy, and childcare costs while they work to become financially stable. Gradison argued—echoing Trump’s earlier statements—that by preventing illegal immigrants from benefiting from TANF and other welfare programs, the government is working to remove the incentives for many to enter the country illegally.