Posted on Tue, Oct. 10, 2006

Green proposes tax credit for immigrants to learn English
SCOTT BAUER
Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. - Immigrants who come to Wisconsin legally should receive help to make a smooth transition while those here illegally should not get any benefits, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Green said Tuesday.

Green, who announced his immigration plan in Milwaukee, said if elected governor, he would propose a $300 tax credit to cover the cost of English classes and expenses occurred during the process an immigrant goes through to become a citizen.

There was no immediate cost estimate for the plan.

Green also reiterated his opposition to granting in-state tuition to illegal residents and support for requiring anyone applying for public assistance to show proof of citizenship and allowing government employees to question people's immigration status.

Immigration has become more of an issue in the governor's race in the past week, with both candidates releasing television ads attacking the other on the topic.

Green has accused Doyle of wanting to give welfare benefits to illegal immigrants.

Doyle has said that's a lie: He vetoed a bill in May that would have made it harder for non-citizens to receive welfare and other benefits because it also would have denied U.S. citizens those services. Doyle said in his veto message that he did not believe illegal immigrants should receive public services.

Green said he would have signed the bill to require all applicants for state health care, food stamps and welfare programs to show proof of citizenship or legal immigration status.

Illegal immigrants are not eligible now for government benefits, but the bill's supporters said they were coming to Wisconsin because it was easy to get around state restrictions.

Green said Tuesday he also opposes Doyle's proposal to allow illegal immigrants who graduate from Wisconsin high schools pay in-state tuition at public colleges. The proposal failed to pass the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Doyle, in an ad launched this week, blames Green and Congress for not doing enough to bolster border security.

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