The Trump administration will block undocumented immigrants from accessing Head Start and other programs, saying it is restoring integrity to federal benefits. Advocates warn of harm to vulnerable children.

A rule change treats the federally funded preschool program like a welfare program and bars undocumented children from enrolling. Head Start providers condemned the departure from longstanding practice.

The prohibition forces Head Start to start screening children and families for their immigration status for the first time in its 60-year history.