Thread: PA: SENATE APPROVES LEGISLATION TO DENY PUBLIC BENEFITS TO I

SENATE APPROVES LEGISLATION TO DENY PUBLIC BENEFITS TO ILLEGAL ALIENS

States News Service
May 24, 2011
HARRISBURG, PA

The following information was released by the Pennsylvania State Senate, State Senator Joe Scarnati (R):

Legislation sponsored by President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, which ensures illegal aliens who live in Pennsylvania are not receiving public benefits, including Medicaid, welfare and in-state college tuition, was approved today by the State Senate. Scarnati's bill, Senate Bill 9, passed the Senate today with a bi-partisan vote of 40-9.

Senate Bill 9 establishs much tighter scrutiny and criminal penalties that the Commonwealth's more than 100,000 estimated illegal aliens would face when applying for any of these services.

"Pennsylvania needs to take the lead on the growing problem of illegal immigrants, and stop providing government benefits and services to those who enter this country outside the law," Scarnati said.

"Hardworking, taxpaying Pennsylvania residents are faced with the burden of supporting those who are entering our country illegally, and the problem is getting worse every year."

Scarnati's bill requires individuals requesting public benefits in the Commonwealth to provide identification proving they are legal residents. Additionally, they would be required to sign an affidavit stating they are a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully present in the United States.

Any applicant signing the affidavit stating they are a legal alien would have their immigration status verified through the Federal Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement Program (SAVE), operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"This legislation is necessary due to President Obama's unwillingness to deal with the national crisis of illegal immigration," Scarnati stated. "Once again, states across the country are finding themselves dealing with federal issues that are hurting the taxpayers of their respective areas. Senate Bill 9 is a matter of protecting citizens who are in Pennsylvania legally and encouraging illegal aliens to locate elsewhere." Any illegal alien who falsely claims they are residing in the country legally, in order to obtain public benefits will have committed a second degree misdemeanor and be subject to arrest and deportation.

Under current federal law, illegal aliens are prohibited from receiving federal, state or local public benefits with the exception of emergency medical care, necessary immunizations and disaster relief. However, Pennsylvania law is simply too lenient in enforcing those provisions.

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates the current state and local annual cost to taxpayers for illegal immigration amounts to about $84 billion nationwide. In Pennsylvania, the current estimated fiscal burden is nearly $1.4 billion.

"Without question, we have too many illegal aliens in this country and in this state. This bill discourages illegal behavior and prevents actions that places our citizens in severe financial jeopardy," Scarnati said.

Senate Bill 9 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/En ... 56&start=2

Is popping out jackpot babies considered emergency medical care? They will still be able to collect generous benefits on behalf of their citizen children. Good start though.

Go Pa! Also passed E Verify!for contractors.

PA Senate passes E-Verify plan for contractors
http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-239017.html

"Just the title makes me giddy inside!"

Keep hope alive! Some states hear their people. Mine doesn't !

Originally Posted by ReggieMay

Is popping out jackpot babies considered emergency medical care? They will still be able to collect generous benefits on behalf of their citizen children. Good start though.

I'd like the answer to that too. If illegal aliens are still able to collect welfare for the US born children, with NO verification of income; I don't see why legal residents should be required to prove their incomes either!