Federal shifts in immigration policy are creating major implications for communities nationwide. Since starting his second term, President Donald Trump has issued executive orders to strengthen visa vetting, expand border patrol operations, and enforce stricter policies on illegal entry. While some states have challenged these measures in court, the broader immigration landscape has undergone a significant transformation.
Adding to this, the tax and spending law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) not only made permanent key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) but also allocated over $170 billion to border and immigration initiatives, with the bulk of funding allocated to the Department of Homeland Security. Passed through budget reconciliation, the 900-page bill positioned US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as the most heavily funded federal enforcement agency.
Given these evolving dynamics, government affairs professionals must stay ahead of developments. This article drills into the Trump administration’s immigration policies and spending priorities, offering insights into how Bloomberg Government can help you monitor policy changes, track legislative and regulatory actions using public affairs software, and influence decision-making in this critical area.
Challenges in tracking immigration legislation and funding
Immigration policy is one of the most dynamic, consequential regulatory areas, which directly influences the US economy, workforce, and innovation. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) serves as the backbone of US immigration law and covers areas such as visa allocation, permanent residency, enforcement, and naturalization.
However, the INA is not static. Congress has the power to amend the INA or create legislation that functions independently of it. With frequent changes in immigration laws, executive orders, and regulations across multiple jurisdictions, government affairs professionals must stay informed to stay effective.
The connection between policy shifts and the federal budget appropriations introduces another layer of complexity. When Congress enacts a new immigration law, that decision is typically embedded within a larger web of federal funding choices. This labyrinthine process means that tracking funds requires a deep understanding of not just legislation itself, but also the political dynamics driving decisions behind closed doors.
Fragmented funding streams
Immigration isn’t funded through a single agency. Instead, resources are dispersed across a several federal accounts, including Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State, the Department of Justice (DOJ), among others. Each agency has its own set of rules and priorities and operates on timelines that can quickly change. This fragmentation demands that government affairs teams closely track dozens of funding streams simultaneously, requiring a blend of policy insight and fiscal expertise.
Provisions riding on other legislation
Complicating matters further, immigration-related provisions rarely move on their own. Major funding shifts are often tucked into massive legislative vehicles such as continuing resolutions (CRs), omnibus spending packages, and supplemental bills. Key decisions can happen with little notice, buried in complex documents that demand rapid analysis and response. For policy professionals, delays, last-minute amendments, and sweeping policy reversals requires constant vigilance and the ability to respond quickly.
Adapting strategies in real-time
This reality means government affairs teams must operate in a near-constant state of readiness. Immigration funding is frequently a bargaining chip in broader budget battles, and strategies must be adjusted swiftly to account for sudden changes. Although stakes are high and forecasting is difficult, it’s possible to stay ahead of the curve and advocate effectively by better understanding the federal budget process, in addition to having the right tools to help.
[Download our in-depth Guide to Federal Budget Dynamics to gain expertise in appropriations, budget reconciliation, and effective advocacy strategies.]
How federal spending shapes immigration policy
Federal spending is divided into three categories:
- Mandatory spending
- Discretionary spending
- Interest payments on federal debt
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, as of June 2024, mandatory spending made up 61% of the federal budget, which covers such programs as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Meanwhile, 26% was allocated to discretionary spending for defense and civilian operations, with the rest going toward interest payments on federal debt.
Mandatory spending shifts for immigration enforcement
In 2025, federal mandatory spending on immigration policies shifted heavily toward border and interior enforcement. This included funding for training US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and supporting detention and deportation activities.
The OBBBA, which introduced new immigration restrictions, allocated over $29 billion to ICE, including funds for hiring and training new personnel. The law provided a total of $75 billion for ICE that can be used over four years, with nearly two-thirds ($45 billion) dedicated to expanding detention systems for single adults and families. This allocation quadrupled ICE’s annual detention budget, adding approximately $11.25 billion annually through Sept. 30, 2029.
State and local support for immigration
The OBBBA also allocated $13.5 billion to support state and local participation in immigration enforcement. This included the creation of the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund within DHS, which received $10 billion for grants to fund border barrier construction and the relocation of undocumented individuals.
Another $3.5 billion was designated for grants to states, state agencies, and local governments to locate and apprehend undocumented individuals suspected of crimes, as well as for related investigations and prosecutions.
Additional federal funding for operations and courts
Additional funding under the OBBBA included over $2 billion for DHS to cover transportation costs for noncitizen departures and background checks. The DOJ received $3.3 billion to hire immigration judges, support staff, among other immigration-related matters.
How to influence federal spending on immigration policy
Congress holds the constitutional power of the purse, granting it authority to determine the type and amount of discretionary spending while providing resources for mandatory spending programs. Although the president submits an annual budget proposal, only Congress has the power to authorize programs, appropriate funds, raise revenue, and set borrowing limits.
Understanding the flow and allocation of federal immigration funds is essential for government affairs professionals. Because federal spending drives policy implementation, effectively influencing outcomes requires a deep understanding of both mandatory and discretionary spending processes.
Points of influence for mandatory spending
Mandatory spending refers to federal expenditures required by law, bypassing the annual appropriations process. Congress establishes benefits and eligibility criteria through authorizing legislation, and funding adjusts automatically based on those rules.
While mandatory spending doesn’t go through the appropriations process, government affairs professionals can still influence it, although it’s more challenging than influencing discretionary spending. This is because changes to mandatory spending require amending the underlying laws that govern it. However, such changes are possible. For example, the OBBBA included significant mandatory spending adjustments across various areas, including immigration.
As a result, direct lobbying and grassroots efforts remain critical tools for influencing mandatory spending. Government affairs professionals can engage with members of Congress ahead of and during the annual budget cycle or key legislative votes. This includes advocating during the reconciliation process, as seen with the OBBBA, when lawmakers consider legislation that could alter mandatory spending levels.
Points of influence for discretionary spending
Discretionary spending, determined through congressional appropriations, offers multiple opportunities for lawmakers, agency officials, and external stakeholders to exert influence. While the process provides clear points of entry, it remains complex, and timing is critical. To effectively track and shape federal spending, it’s important to plan ahead and strategically navigate each stage of the appropriations cycle.
Before the budget cycle:
Government affairs professionals should engage with agency officials to advocate for their priorities. This early involvement helps shape initial funding proposals.
During appropriations process:
When subcommittees draft funding bills for the agencies under their jurisdiction, there’s another key opportunity to influence funding levels for specific programs. This is also the time to propose legislative language, such as policy riders, directives, or restrictions. Lobbyists often work to secure favorable language in committee reports, which provide additional guidance on spending priorities.
Congressional hearing:
Government affairs professionals can provide briefing materials, flag potential questions for subcommittee staff, and even draft legislative language or suggest text for consideration. During the markup phase, when spending bills are debated and refined, they can supply information for appropriations committee reports. These reports not only guide agencies on how funds should be allocated but also justify why specific expenditures are necessary.
Before a floor vote:
Additional opportunities arise during this phase of the budget lifecycle, as professionals can advocate directly with lawmakers to secure their support or opposition.
After government funding is passed:
Even after spending bills are enacted, there’s room to influence agency budget actions and recommend specific spending decisions that align with advocacy goals.
Deadlocks:
When Congress can’t agree on full-year funding, lawmakers typically pass a continuing resolution maintaining funding levels from the previous year with some adjustments. Absent a CR, agencies without funding shut down, though certain functions continue, with some staff remaining on the job.
[Access our comprehensive Guide to Federal Budget Dynamics to deepen your knowledge of appropriations, budget reconciliation, and strategic advocacy.]
Simplify federal budget advocacy with technology
Although government websites offer free legislative information, manual tracking often leads to irrelevant results, information overload, or missed critical details. To overcome these challenges, many government affairs professionals are turning to public affairs software.
Bloomberg Government streamlines searches, reduces administrative burdens, and allows teams to focus on strategic advocacy. By adopting these technologies, policy teams can enhance their workflows, improve efficiency, and stay ahead in federal spending advocacy.
When choosing software, it is ideal to prioritize features like user-friendliness, customization, scalability, and strong customer support to ensure it meets your public affairs needs.
News alerts: Stay ahead of key developments
Federal spending news can evolve rapidly, especially when tracking multiple issue areas. Customizable news alerts provide timely updates on critical policy developments. Sourced from Bloomberg News and over 35,000 local, national, and international outlets, these alerts ensure comprehensive and up-to-date coverage.
Expert analysis: Gain legislative insights
Influencing policy becomes more challenging once a proposal gains momentum. To stay ahead, teams use Bloomberg Government’s bill tracking tools to monitor emerging policy issues, anticipate regulatory changes, and access reliable information for meaningful discussions with decision-makers.
With features such as Bill Analysis, users can access detailed legislative information without wading through extensive bill text. Additionally, Bloomberg Government’s OnPoints offer ready-to-use slides for stakeholders, covering topics including budget process, appropriations, and immigration policy.
Enhance and streamline federal appropriations monitoring
Discover how Bloomberg Government’s Federal Funding Flow tool helps you navigate funding allocations with clear visualizations linking appropriated funds to contract-level spending.
Federal Funding Flow: Streamlining appropriations advocacy
Bloomberg Government’s Federal Funding Flow is a centralized platform designed to simplify the federal budget and spending process. It provides complete visibility into government priorities and spending patterns, eliminating manual data collection challenges and enhancing efficiency.
Key features include:
- Centralized access: Instantly access budget documents, funding allocations, spending data, and congressional appropriations subcommittee details.
- Real-time updates: Monitor and analyze federal budget priorities with an appropriations tracker.
- Seamless connection: Link budget allocations to actual spending for a clear view of fund usage.
- Historical data: Use agency spend tables to analyze trends and support strategic planning.
- Budget line-item details: Identify funding increases or potential cuts with program-level allocation tables.
- Comprehensive news coverage: Stay informed with Bloomberg-powered news and analysis on federal budget matters.
Best practices for effective advocacy
To get the most out of tools like Bloomberg Government, follow these best practices for effective immigration policy advocacy:
Set up tailored alerts:
Create alerts for relevant bills, committees, and markups early in the process to stay ahead.
Prioritize key issues:
Focus on the most impactful bills and topics to avoid information overload.
Leverage automation:
Use features like spending bill summaries and text comparison tools to quickly spot changes and trends.
Integrate real-time updates:
Add trusted news feeds and legislative updates to your workflow for instant alerts.
Track legislative details:
Monitor legislative vehicles and committee reports, as they often provide critical insights into congressional intent.
Expand your network:
Use comprehensive directories to maintain and grow connections with federal agency staff, lawmakers, and stakeholders.
Access essential resources:
Bloomberg Government provides CRS Reports, CBO cost estimates, committee reports, and press releases to help teams confidently shape policy and spending priorities.
Maximize efficiency with Bloomberg Government’s legislative tracking tools
Bloomberg Government simplifies immigration legislation and regulation tracking and empowers professionals to drive impactful advocacy. Our comprehensive, nonpartisan reporting focuses on key issues and potential policy outcomes, making it an invaluable resource for businesses, lawmakers, and government affairs professionals to see what’s on the horizon.
Request a demo to see how Bloomberg Government can help you stay ahead with access to everything you need to influence immigration policy.