Md. bill could deny benefits to illegal immigrants
February 09, 2010 13:43 EST


ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland House Minority Leader Anthony O'Donnell wants to prohibit state and local government agencies from giving most public benefits to adult illegal immigrants.

The Republican delegate wants to require state and local governments to verify adults are in the country legally before they provide most public benefits. The measure would block illegal immigrants from receiving public housing, welfare, food assistance, unemployment benefits and other subsidies.

O'Donnell's bill would allow undocumented residents to receive some benefits such as emergency health care, prenatal care, disaster relief and immunizations.

The House of Delegates Appropriations Committee has rejected similar measures in 2008 and 2009 but will hold a hearing on the bill Tuesday afternoon.

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On the Net:

Read House Bill 343: http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/bills/hb/hb0343f.pdf

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