Trump Order Increases Scrutiny of Illegal Migrants’ Banking Activity

The order requires banks to identify red flags tied to patterns of payroll tax evasion by employers, among others.

U.S. President Donald Trump returns to the White House in Washington on May 15, 2026. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on May 19 directing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to provide banks with an advisory on financial risks posed by individuals living in the country illegally.

In his order, Trump urged banks to pay attention to credit risks posed by offering mortgage loans, car loans, credit cards, and other consumer credit products “to the inadmissible and removable alien population.”