Obama budget includes funds to help states jail illegal immigrants

By Silla Brush - 02/01/10 03:08 PM ET

After proposing last year to cut it entirely, President Barack Obama in his budget on Monday said he would provide $330 million for a federal subsidy that helps states jail illegal immigrants.

The State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) provides a partial subsidy to help states and local communities incarcerate illegal aliens who have committed crimes. The administration proposed last year ending the program to save $400 million in 2010.

The administration said then that the program money has been "unfocused" and "can be used for any correctional-related purpose." When he was in the Senate, Obama voted in favor of additional funding for the program.

Killing off the program has been tough on Capitol Hill, where many border state lawmakers have supported the subsidy.

The administration said last year that it would take the savings and redirect the money towards border enforcement efforts.

The budget this year provides $330 million for the program.

The office of Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) fought strongly against cuts in the program.

An earlier version of this story included incorrect information. This story was updated at 7:07 p.m.


Source:

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing- ... immigrants